Book Description

“An engrossing read . . . Her description of the ways in which forensic experiments evolved is as fascinating as the courtroom dramas they accompanied.” —Jess Kidd, The Guardian, “Best Summer Books 2018, as Picked by Writers” A surgeon and chemist at Guys Hospital in London, Professor Alfred Swaine Taylor used new techniques to search the human body for evidence that once had been unseen. As well as tracing poisons, he could identify blood on clothing and weapons, and used hair and fiber analysis to catch killers. Taylor is perhaps best remembered as an expert witness at one of Victorian England’s most infamous trials—that of William Palmer, “The Rugeley Poisoner.” But he was involved in many other intriguing cases, from a skeleton in a carpet bag to a fire that nearly destroyed two towns, and several poisonings in between. Taylor wrote widely on forensic medicine. He gave Charles Dickens a tour of his laboratory, and Wilkie Collins owned copies of his books. His work was known to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and he inspired the creation of fictional forensic detective Dr. Thorndyke. For Dorothy L. Sayers, Taylors books were the back doors to death. From crime scene to laboratory to courtroom and sometimes to the gallows, this is the world of Professor Alfred Swaine Taylor and his fatal evidence. “A must read for any lover of crime writing, criminology, and Victorian cultural history.” —Fortean Times “Totally fascinating . . . Refers to many famous and not-so-famous cases, as well as giving an insight into this clever, enthusiastic, honourable and dedicated man. Very clearly written and very enjoyable read.” —Michelle Birkby, author of The Baker Street Inquiries series