Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Minneapolis : Carolrhoda Books, c2009.
Description
This book reports on the work of forensic scientists who are excavating grave sites in James Fort, in Jamestown, Virginia, to understand the people who lived in the Chesapeake Bay area in the 1600s and 1700s.
User reviews
LibraryThing member abbylibrarian
The boy was about fifteen years old when he died. He had traveled to America from Europe. He likely died as a result of violence. Oh, and he lived and died 400 years ago in the colony of Jamestown. So how do we know anything about who he was or how he died? Written in Bone tells the story of
Including brilliant photographs and tons of cool facts, this book is great for anyone interested in history or archaeology. Extensive source notes and references make it great for research and the conversational tone and photos make it excellent for recreational reading. Highly recommended.
Show More
scientists and historians who excavated graves at Jamestown and studied the remains to find out all they could about these early colonists. Including brilliant photographs and tons of cool facts, this book is great for anyone interested in history or archaeology. Extensive source notes and references make it great for research and the conversational tone and photos make it excellent for recreational reading. Highly recommended.
Show Less
LibraryThing member 59Square
This book is being mentioned for a possible award come January, and I definitely think it would make an excellent Siebert Award candidate. This book examines colonial America through the eyes of archaelogists and forensic archaelogists and sees what we can deduce about colonial America. There are
Show More
some really interesting things that they can discover about colonial Americans, including how they worked, what kind of work they did, and quite often how they died. Walker also goes through the whole process of a dig and how things are unearthed - very interesting and well-written. What I also like about the book is that the captions of the photos and charts sort of serve as an indicator of what's on that page - more than usual - so that kids skimming the book can stop and read more about something that might interest them. Very complete and absorbing. Show Less
LibraryThing member janiereader
Walker, Sally M. Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland. Carolrhoda Books. 144p. illus. bibliographical references. index. ISBN 978-0-82257-135-3. $22.95.
Walker’s title is an engaging read, based on findings from archeological excavations in James Fort, built in 1610 as
Walker’s title is an engaging read, based on findings from archeological excavations in James Fort, built in 1610 as
Show More
the military setting of the Jamestown Settlement. Walker writes of recent excavations of bodies and artifacts creating an interesting book written on a level to be understandable to those unfamiliar with anthropology. Lots of fascinating facts about the how and whys of how people lived, ate, and worked in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the science of how fossils and relics are dated to certain time periods and eras. Brilliant color photographs add to the quality of this recommended read for those interested in not only forensic antropology, but also about life in the early colony. A possible companion piece to Jamestown: The Buried Truth, by William M. Kelso with its creative photos and data will round out the reader’s experience as a quasi-field trip to the actual historic site. Recommened for teens and adults, this book will catch the interest of many, especially those who like forensic science shows such as CSI and Bones. Show Less
LibraryThing member mdyewhea
I left William and Mary in 1994 (close to this area), and missed the dig! However, I was fascinated with what has been uncovered since then. Jamestown used to just be kind of boring, but it isn't now! A great book for budding archeologists, or for people interested in this area of the country.
LibraryThing member Megabaker
The information in this book is fascinating: part history, part science, part mystery, but what really makes the book is the pictures (none are too gruesome for me, and I can be pretty squeamish). It's labeled as a young adult book, but certainly appeals to adults. I saw the Smithsonian exhibit,
Show More
but was even more fascinated by this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member kkcrossley
Forensic anthropology in Jamestown. Burials from the 16th century are explored and we get to learn many things about these very real people.
LibraryThing member herbcat
Amazing work in showing how archeology works in uncovering hidden truths about the past.
LibraryThing member Sarahfine
You can learn a lot about a person from their bones. Even if those bones were buried hundreds of years ago! This book takes a look at some of the earliest Europeans to migrate to the New World, and uses their bones to determine what they ate, how they died, how they brushed their teeth, and whether
Show More
they were buried carefully or, in one case, dumped into a pile of garbage. A great find for antiquaries and would-be archaeologists. Show Less
LibraryThing member EdGoldberg
Written in Bone: Burried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland by Sally M. Walker is a great book if you're interested in old bones, history, forensics and mysteries. The book contains glossy pages and photos interspersed amongst the print. The language is simple and straight-forward. Scientific
It is amazing what you can learn from where graves are discovered (inside the fort or church, or outside), the position of the bones (carefully laid out for a man of stature vs. tossed in the grave for an abused indentured servant), what is included in the grave, etc. Forensic scientists can look at bones to see whether they were broken and if so before or after death and how long before death. The bone structure and fusing can help determine age. The study of isotopes can help determine how long the deceased was in America vs. England.
The scientists take what they have discovered and try to relate it to the written record to determine whose body it is. Since colonial America was relatively sparsely inhabited, it is easier to review records to determine whose body it might be.
Show More
concepts are explained in easy to understand terms. And the mysteries are engaging.It is amazing what you can learn from where graves are discovered (inside the fort or church, or outside), the position of the bones (carefully laid out for a man of stature vs. tossed in the grave for an abused indentured servant), what is included in the grave, etc. Forensic scientists can look at bones to see whether they were broken and if so before or after death and how long before death. The bone structure and fusing can help determine age. The study of isotopes can help determine how long the deceased was in America vs. England.
The scientists take what they have discovered and try to relate it to the written record to determine whose body it is. Since colonial America was relatively sparsely inhabited, it is easier to review records to determine whose body it might be.
Show Less
LibraryThing member farfromkansas
Because my wife and I are big fans of the TV show Bones, I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across Sally M. Walker’s Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland in the “science” section of my library. Like Bones, Walker’s book deals with forensic anthropology:
Walker begins her book with some brief background knowledge about the Jamestown settlement that is the setting for this study. After briefly giving some historical context of the settlers, she discusses archaeological methods for digging at sites and the need for preservation. As she moves through the book, Walker introduces a variety of methods for the process of scientific inquiry: studying historical documents, conducting interviews, examining local architecture, and using technology to meld science with history. The widespread incorporation of so much science tends to drive this book towards a target audience of high school students, most of whom will have a greater grasp on science and history. Additionally, because Walker’s writing can be somewhat complex at times, younger readers might have some difficulty following along with her book. Plus, some maturity is required to study dead bodies in so much depth and detail: older audiences might be a little less likely to have nightmares.
In order to frame her story, Walker discusses several key corpses discovered in the excavations of colonial Virginia and Maryland. Walker’s use of specific case studies is a clever way of introducing a variety of scientific methods to the reader: with each successive skeleton, Walker introduces stable isotope analysis (for carbon-dating), ground-penetrating radar, soil samples, dental fossils, and facial reconstructions. With this wide range of scientific methods incorporated into the narrative, Written in Bone can feel a little intimidating at times because it illustrates just how much knowledge and expertise is required to carry out an archaeological dig (such as the one described in the book). If nothing else, Written in Bone reinforces the idea that most scientific inquiry requires a team of scientists and specialists to make progress on a case.
Although the premise of the book is absolutely fascinating, I started to lose interest towards the end of the book: suddenly, the novelty factor wasn’t quite as captivating as it was a hundred pages earlier. Of course, this might also be a reflection of my personal lack of interest in science, as opposed to the quality of Walker’s book; on the contrary, the fact that Walker managed to keep my attention for so long is a testament to her intriguing narrative. In the end, Walker reminds us that the skeletal remains discovered are all that’s left of people’s lives: “These tales, written only in bone, await those with the patience to find them” (134). Because of her book, Walker will undoubtedly inspire many to pursue further studies in forensic anthropology and discover more stories that remain buried… for the time being.
Show More
the scientific process of examining skeletons for clues and evidence. In fact, much of Walker’s book follows the same procedures utilized in every episode of Bones, ranging from soil samples to skeletal examinations to artistic recreations of the deceased. Although Written in Bone lacks the wit, drama, and action of its television counterpart, it nonetheless provides an interesting glimpse into the world of forensic anthropology.Walker begins her book with some brief background knowledge about the Jamestown settlement that is the setting for this study. After briefly giving some historical context of the settlers, she discusses archaeological methods for digging at sites and the need for preservation. As she moves through the book, Walker introduces a variety of methods for the process of scientific inquiry: studying historical documents, conducting interviews, examining local architecture, and using technology to meld science with history. The widespread incorporation of so much science tends to drive this book towards a target audience of high school students, most of whom will have a greater grasp on science and history. Additionally, because Walker’s writing can be somewhat complex at times, younger readers might have some difficulty following along with her book. Plus, some maturity is required to study dead bodies in so much depth and detail: older audiences might be a little less likely to have nightmares.
In order to frame her story, Walker discusses several key corpses discovered in the excavations of colonial Virginia and Maryland. Walker’s use of specific case studies is a clever way of introducing a variety of scientific methods to the reader: with each successive skeleton, Walker introduces stable isotope analysis (for carbon-dating), ground-penetrating radar, soil samples, dental fossils, and facial reconstructions. With this wide range of scientific methods incorporated into the narrative, Written in Bone can feel a little intimidating at times because it illustrates just how much knowledge and expertise is required to carry out an archaeological dig (such as the one described in the book). If nothing else, Written in Bone reinforces the idea that most scientific inquiry requires a team of scientists and specialists to make progress on a case.
Although the premise of the book is absolutely fascinating, I started to lose interest towards the end of the book: suddenly, the novelty factor wasn’t quite as captivating as it was a hundred pages earlier. Of course, this might also be a reflection of my personal lack of interest in science, as opposed to the quality of Walker’s book; on the contrary, the fact that Walker managed to keep my attention for so long is a testament to her intriguing narrative. In the end, Walker reminds us that the skeletal remains discovered are all that’s left of people’s lives: “These tales, written only in bone, await those with the patience to find them” (134). Because of her book, Walker will undoubtedly inspire many to pursue further studies in forensic anthropology and discover more stories that remain buried… for the time being.
Show Less
LibraryThing member rebecca_lynn
I never knew bones could be so fascinating!
I'm not a big non-fiction reader, but this topic stood out to me. The pictures helped, of course. That, and the excellent writing. I've always been interested in archaeology, so I enjoyed seeing how much these scientists could learn from just digging up
I'm not a big non-fiction reader, but this topic stood out to me. The pictures helped, of course. That, and the excellent writing. I've always been interested in archaeology, so I enjoyed seeing how much these scientists could learn from just digging up
Show More
bones from the 1600 and 1700s. Show Less
LibraryThing member silly_tine
I was utterly entranced by this book. There are numerous "unsolved" mysteries in this book, until Douglas Owsley takes a look that is. The writing is excellent. The book is peppered with photographs, sidebars and diagrams that grace almost every page. In the back there is a timeline, a bibliography
Show More
and additional recommended books and websites. In one of these graves even the archaeologists were shocked to see who was in there. As they say, "expect the unexpected," but I would say you can expect to love this book! Show Less
LibraryThing member MaryAnnBurton
Such an intersting book. This was something I would have checked out from the library when I was in 6th or 7th grade beacuse it has a somewhat creepy factor to it, but it was also really informational. The photographs were really neat, and it was bizarre to think about all that can be found out
Show More
about what happened so many years ago just from digging up some old graves. Realy neat! This would easily hold the attention of someone in the middle grades. Show Less
LibraryThing member ImBookingIt
Listening to this book was so cool!I've been a fan of fictional forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan since long before the TV show Bones. I like what she's able to do with contemporary bodies, but I'm always interested in the asides about her ventures with older, more historic graves.This
Show More
book goes into many of the details of this process, using some bodies from colonial Jamestown.The book goes into details of isotopes, of bone measurements, and of soil composition. It then takes this information as well as details as to how the body is positioned, and what is found nearby, and builds a portrait of the life of this individual. An attempt is made to match this portrait to the historical record, trying to identify who has been located.The audience clearly is middle grade, but the information isn't so simplified as to be uninteresting. The age of the intended audience is clear when the narrator gives a brief explanation of negative numbers, but it usually is fairly universal.I came at this book interested in the scientific aspect, but the historical viewpoint also grabbed me. While listening, I kept thinking of the opportunities for a classroom unit featuring a truly integrated curriculum. I'm going to suggest it to the 5th grade teachers at my daughter's school, since they cover Colonial America as well as basic human anatomy that year. Show Less
LibraryThing member KylieNelson
In this book the reader follows the work of scientists who dig up and decipher the lives that lived by the bones of previous people that lived in the Colonial America, the lives of one teenage boy, a ship’s captain, an indentured servant, a colonial official and his family, and an African slave
Show More
girl. I like this book because it makes learning information fun as the reader becomes a sleuth along the side of scientists, its also a glimpse into all the people and work it takes to develop these bodies and the stories they contribute to history and science. Perfect book for children ages 10-13. Show Less
LibraryThing member SpockMonkeys
I liked this book - don't know if a teen would or not, but it could be the book to spark an interest into becoming a forensic scientist or an archaeologist.
LibraryThing member Talwold
What a great book about how anthropolisgist can learn so much about the dead. From their economic standing, age at death, and gender. The title really caught my attention, but the story kept it.
LibraryThing member tbeard76
About an archaeological dig, this book looks into the lives of people who lived in colonial America through the study of forensic science.
LibraryThing member Dawn.Zimmerer
Sally M. Walker presents an exciting and informative look at forensics, archeology and anthropology in this fantastic non-fiction book. She works hard to give detailed scientific information at a level not above or below the heads of the average teenager.
Each step of the process includes historical
Every chapter is like a separate vignette (or, if you are me, a new episode of Law and Order, Colonial Times). One is about a boy they found and how they tried to determine cause of death, his birth origin and more. Another chapter is titled “The Captain,” the name they gave to another body after an x-ray revealed an object associated with high ranking military of the time. Still another is “The Body in the Basement.”
Throughout the book teens will learn about the complex processes of excavating a site of historical importance. The care taken by scientists, forensic experts, archaeologists and others is highlighted and combined with a fun sense of mystery and intrigue (and some amazing photos!). I would recommend this to all teens.
Each step of the process includes historical
Show More
atmosphere, maps, photos and descriptions. Her focus on the mysterious aspects of parts of the excavation (a possible murder, bodies buried together, etc.) grabbed my attention and held it. Every chapter is like a separate vignette (or, if you are me, a new episode of Law and Order, Colonial Times). One is about a boy they found and how they tried to determine cause of death, his birth origin and more. Another chapter is titled “The Captain,” the name they gave to another body after an x-ray revealed an object associated with high ranking military of the time. Still another is “The Body in the Basement.”
Throughout the book teens will learn about the complex processes of excavating a site of historical importance. The care taken by scientists, forensic experts, archaeologists and others is highlighted and combined with a fun sense of mystery and intrigue (and some amazing photos!). I would recommend this to all teens.
Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Informational Books — 2012)
Orbis Pictus Award (Recommended Title — 2010)
Volunteer State Book Award (Nominee — Middle School — 2014)
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction (Finalist — 2010)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2010)
Language
Physical description
144 p.; 29 cm
ISBN
0822571358 / 9780822571353