Detecting Forgery: Forensic Investigation of Documents - Hardcover

Joe Nickell

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0813119537 ISBN 13: 9780813119533

Publisher: University Press of Kentucky, 1998

Synopsis

Clifford Irving's autobiography of Howard Hughes. Han Van Meegeren's brilliant reproductions of Jan Vermeer's seventeenth-century paintings. The sensational Mormon papers of document dealer Mark Hoffman. All were important discoveries - until, that is, the tools of forensic investigation revealed each to be a remarkable work of forgery that would send the worlds of literature, art, and history reeling. In a book that's as difficult to put down as a good mystery, Joe Nickell explores the world of questioned documents. He reveals the mission of forensic sleuths and their often nearly impossible tasks: to detect forged handwritings, uncover alterations in documents, and identify the authorship of disputed or anonymous writings - to use the eye and the tools of science to make evident the often imperceptible and to expose the cunning art of the forger. Detecting Forgery covers the essential aspects of forensic document examination and illuminates the scientific with historical information on famous forgers, as well as captivating case studies and numerous illustrations from the author's own files, explaining how forgers ply their nefarious trade and how document examiners uncover the subtly clever deceptions. This enlightening book focuses primarily on documents yet provides considerable information on uncovering forged prints, paintings, and other works of art. Nickell reveals the complete arsenal of forensic techniques used in uncovering forgeries of modern as well as historical documents and provides an invaluable source for collectors and dealers, professional document examiners, archivists, and historians.

About this title

Review:

Seldom does a book about forgery come along containing depth of subject matter in addition to presenting clear and understandable information. This book has both, plus a readability that is accessible to those studying questioned documents as well as seasoned experts. - Journal of Forensic Identification; ""The author's expertise in historical documents is unmistakably evident throughout the book. Once I began reading, I found it hard to put down."" - Journal of Questioned Document Examination

From the Publisher:

Other reviews:

"The author's expertise in historical documents is unmistakably evident throughout this book. One I began reading, I found it hard to put down. . . . Those with investigative minds who are drawn to the challenge of unraveling mysteries will not be disappointed." -Journal of Questioned Document Examination

"Forgeries are a bane to collectors, historians, academic and financial institutions, archivists, and the authorities. . . . After reading this book, those of us who still handwrite their personal documents will never look at them casually again." -AB Bookman's Weekly

About this edition

• Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0813119537
• ISBN 13: 9780813119533
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 228