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Summary: A fun journey into the macabre world of the Bones & Death
Review: This is NOT Quincy! There. I said it!This book describes the fascinating tales of an anthropologist involved in some of the most bizarre cases. Like I said in the beginning, these are NOT coroner cases. We are NOT talking about finding a body and calling the good doctor to figure out what happened. Most of the time, death has occurred a loooong time ago. Mr. Maples deals with bones. He studies bones, all with the fascination and respect that bones seldom gets. The cases involved, and the steps taken to (usually) nab the criminals are sometimes an allegory to the myth that the dead DO reach out from their grave to seek final justice. But not all is about police stories. Some deals with famous portraits, such as the Czar Nicholas II and his family and the so-called "Elephant Man". And don't expect all cases to be solved (to the author's chagrin)... It also discusses about how the dead is treated (your perception of cremation will never be the same once you read this book). This book paints the rise of the author into the world of anthropology (not to mention his early involvement into the world of the dead), and the men and women who influenced him in critical steps of his professional life. Being a man of science does not, however, prevent the author from expressing subjective ideas and emotions. Indeed, his most calculated thoughts and analysis are sometimes driven by sheer pride/arrogance of helping society, and also helping the dead. He also discusses (but very lightly) philosophically about death, and how we deal with the departure of our beloved. And at the end, he also expresses concerns about the future of anthropology... It is the book about death. And about the bones that survive it to tell their tales.
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Summary: Intriguing look into forensic anthropology
Review: This was a fascinating book. I teach with a forensic anthropologist, and she recommended it for an interesting look into the field. The book was an easy read and held my attention. It isn't for the squeamish, but if you can handle the material, it's a good choice.
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Summary: not as good as hoped
Review: This book follows a trend of many forensic anthropology books in that the author seems to spend more time on quoting literature and history then on cases. When Dr. Maples does get around to telling of a case, the details are few. If readers are interested in very good books of this subject they sould try Ubelaker's "Bones" and "A Fly for the Prosecution", I've forgotten the author to this one. Both of which deal with cases much more throughly than any I've read. This book by Dr. Maples is good for beginners. If you've read a few forensic anthropolgy books and are more advanced, you may find this selection boring and limited in useful information. Also, stay away from "The Bone Lady".
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Summary: Dead Men Do Tell Tales
Review: Due to my interest in the field of Forensic Anthropology, I selected Dr. Maples book as my first read. This has been and will always be my favorite book in this field. This book entices the reader with history, case studies and tools used in the field of forensic anthropology to identify those people who otherwise might have been lost or forgotten as Dr. Maples illustrates. This is a must read for beginners, and those enthusiasts of the field. It is also a book that I have been able to pick up and read over more than once. "Dead Men Do Tell Tales" is a remarkable legacy to a man who dedicatd his life to the field and to speak for those who could not speak for themselves, therefore I give it five stars and recommend it highly to everyone.
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Summary: A wonderful book by a wonderful man
Review: Prior to his death in 1997, Dr. Maples was a forensic anthropologist at the University of Florida. Forensic anthropology is a thrilling science in which you determine from skeletal material how somebody died, when he or she died, and who the person was. Forensic anthropologists are often called in to investigate bombings, plane crashes, war crimes, and crime scenes where the body is substantially decomposed. In this book Dr. Maples takes the reader into the Human Identification Lab and tells her about the most celebrated cases of his career. While an anthropology student at the University of Florida I had the opportunity to meet and get to know Dr. Maples. His love for the science was touching and he inspired me more than any other teacher or professor I have ever met.
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Summary: He is not retired
Review: Bridget, Dr. Maples is not retired he passed away on Feb 27, 1997. I wish he did just retired, but I am sure glad you enjoyed the book that would have made him happy Lisa Maples Dean
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Summary: Thanking people who liked this book
Review: I really did not want to review this book I would just like to thank the people who did and I respect the people who did not. For the sibling of the murder victim I know who you are. My father talked about you often when he was working that case. I just want everyone to know My father was a kind and gentle man and wanted to help the victims so justice could be served and their memories live on. Lisa Maples Dean
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Summary: Fantastic! A must read!
Review: Obviously Mr. Lowen is a bit shallow! Maples is an ICON in his field. He simiply told us and taught us about his experiences. He has retired and has lived a facinating life! This book is like his diary and we get to read it! We get to read all the interesting and wonderful things that Maples got to be a part of and experienced. This book is absolutly wonderful and I consider it the reason I am in school now for forensic psychology! Thank you Mr. Maples!
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Summary: Book ruined by egotism
Review: Given the many positive reviews of this book, I'm really disappointed that I couldn't make it past the introduction. Maples is offensively arrogant, even bragging about capturing countless gorillas in Africa for scientific testing (which had NOTHING to do with the book -- where was the editor? ). Cancel that; probably the editor found it hopeless to deal with the guy. I disliked him so much I simply couldn't read the rest of the book.
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Summary: A credit to his profession !
Review: This book is excellent reading for anyone with an interest in how crimes are solved with forensics. Dr. Maples walks the reader through each case explaining how bones really DO TALK.
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