Fakes and Forgeries (Essentials of Forensic Science)

Fakes and forgeries have existed since humans began creating art and written language. Laws against forgery existed in ancient Egypt, as skilled craftsmen made glass imitations of precious gemstones. Today, science has become a key partner in the battle against forgers as the techniques of forgery advance. Stamps, money, art, and historical artifacts are only a few of the objects that are commonly forged, and scientists working in forensic labs often work hand-in-hand with artists, museums, linguists, and historians to study artifacts and documents.

Fakes and Forgeries looks at the modern tools of computers, printers, and scanners to create questioned documents and counterfeits. Beginning with an overview of fakes and forgeries from ancient times to the present, this new volume examines the art of analyzing evidence from lottery tickets and voting ballots to stamps and envelopes.

Chapters include:

• History and Pioneers
• The Scientific Approach
• Dyes and Pigments; Inks and Paints
• Detecting Document Forgery
• Counterfeiting Currency
• Forging Art, History, and Science
• Conclusion: The Future of Fakes, Forgeries, and Counterfeits.

“Forensic science has become to this generation what the space race was in the 1960s—an accessible and inspiring window into the world of science,” writes Bell in the preface to this fascinating introduction to how scientists identify fraudulent copies, from signatures to oil paintings. Noting that as long as there have been taxes and money, there has been forgery, Bell moves from examples of the crime that date back to ancient Mesopotamian civilizations all the way through to today’s high-tech counterfeiting cases. Frequent sidebars tackle related, practical topics, such as “How to Verify Money,” while photos and detailed diagrams illustrate scientific concepts, such as the spectrum of electromagnetic energy. Bell’s language is dense but accessible, and the depth of scientific coverage makes this an excellent choice for supplementing middle- and high-school coursework. With the steady popularity of CSI  and its many spin-off TV shows, this is a must-have for teen researchers and browsers alike. A glossary and an extensive selection of recommended reading close this entry in the Essentials of Forensic Science series. Grades 7-12. --Gillian Engberg