This advanced book provides an account of the recent developments and future potential in the study of human skeletons from both an archaeological and forensic context. This well illustrated volume is divided into six sections for ease of reference, encompassing such areas as palaeodemography, juvenile health and growth, disease and trauma, normal skeletal variation, biochemical and microscopic analyses, and facial reconstruction. Each chapter is written by a recognized specialist in the field, and includes and in-depth discussion of the reliability of methods, with references, and current and future research directions. It is essential reading for all students undertaking osteology as part of their studies and will also prove a valuable reference for forensic scientists, both in the field and the laboratory. -- from Back Cover.