Revised and expanded to reflect the most recent innovations in the field, The Scientific Examination of Documents, Fourth Edition is a handy, accessible volume detailing current best-practices for forensic document examination. Since the first edition published in 1989, there have been drastic changes in the field of forensic document examination-both from the use of the analytic techniques available to the professional examiner-and the changes to technology in office and printing equipment and inks. The purpose of analyzing any material used in the production of a questioned document, such as an ink or a piece of paper, is to compare it with another material elsewhere in the questioned document itself-or on another document-to determine whether or not they share a common origin. There may also be a need to provide information for the investigator about the possible origins of the document. This latest edition reflects the myriad changes and advances that have occurred in the last 10 to 15 years. Topics covered include: current thinking on handwriting interpretation; accidental and deliberate modification of handwriting; the proper collection of samples; a discussion of shredded documents; professional accreditation standards, qualifications, and training; and modern digital imaging and analysis of documents and handwriting utilizing software and imaging, including reconstruction of an image from erasures, obliteration and other document altering methods. A new section addresses cognitive bias and Chapter 8 is completely updated to cover the advances in print and photocopied documents, based on current technology, and analytical developments in the comparison of such documents. Key features: Discusses issues regarding handwritten, photocopied, and printed documents-including inkjet versus digital printing Presents the advances and capabilities modern office fax, photocopy, and printing technologies-and implications for document examination Details and reinforces the importance of ensuring proper scientific methods during an examination Addresses current Raman spectroscopy, UV-VIS, mass spectroscopy, and SEM analysis techniques Highlights the importance, and implications, of biological and fingerprint evidence from documents that can be collected, examined, and utilized in a case The Scientific Examination of Documents, Fourth Edition serves as an invaluable resource to established professionals, those just entering the field, and legal and investigative professionals outside the discipline who have a professional interest dealing with questioned documents in the course of their work.

Stamford has a reputation for being one of England's finest stone towns. It is a happy mix of medieval and Georgian architecture that was untouched by the Industrial Revolution or later large scale developments, so its central core has survived remarkably intact. Its architecture is outstanding and for this reason, in 1967, it became the country's first conservation area. In recent years the town has become a popular tourist destination for both home and overseas visitors. It has also attracted the attention of film makers who have been quick to see its potential as a back-drop for such TV productions as Middlemarch and Pride and Prejudice. Using contrasting photographs, this book sets out to show something of both the continuity and change in the town during the last 100 years.

Situated almost on the border between England and Wales, Wrexham has a long and important history. In the past it was famous for its coal, iron, steel, lead mining and leather industries. Today, it is the largest town in North Wales and two of the Seven Wonders of Wales are located in the area: St Giles' Church in Wrexham and Gresford church just outside the town. In ‘A-Z of Wrexham’, local author Christopher Davies explores various aspects of the town’s history, but in order to make the book as comprehensive as possible, he also focuses on the County Borough. This will allow for broader comment on the effects of the Industrial Revolution in the area, and the inclusion of nationally important buildings and structures such as the eighteenth-century Erddig Hall, now cared for by the National Trust, and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site. Fully illustrated throughout, this book provides an engaging and informative guide to the rich heritage of this part of North Wales. Readers will gain a fascinating insight into Wrexham’s buildings, industry and the individuals who shaped the area across the centuries.

By the close of the last millennium Dorling Kindersley had become one of the most recognisable brands in publishing. Across the range of illustrated household reference titles, from children's books to travel guides, its distinctive look of colourful images cut out against a white background could be seen on bookshelves throughout the country - and indeed the publishing world. Apart from three minor acquisitions, DK had grown organically over 25 years to be a publicly listed company with a turnover of GBP200 million, some 1500 employees, publishing arms across the English language markets, a 50-strong international sales force that dealt with more than 400 publishers, a direct selling business with 30,000 independent distributors, and had expanded its skills for delivering handsomely designed reference books into the new media of videos, CD-ROMs and online educational content. Then a series of catastrophic printing decisions brought the company to its knees, and ultimately into the arms of Pearson. Christopher Davis is uniquely positioned to tell the story of DK's rise and fall. He joined the company at its foundation and in due course became Group Publisher.The narrative he provides is a dual one, encompassing the visionary genius of Peter Kindersley and the publishing revolution he fomented, and charting the remarkable, sometimes precarious, frequently hilarious, roller-coaster ride as the company grew from a handful of people in a studio in South London to a substantial global business. In the rapidly changing publishing climate of today, this book is also a nostalgic reminder of a time when creativity could flourish unburdened by the shackles of corporate bureaucracy.

Little is known about Christopher Davy (c.1803 49), despite his regular contributions to architectural and engineering magazines in Britain and America. Describing himself as an 'architect and teacher of architecture', he also took an interest in steam engines and railway construction. In this work, published in 1839, and using information gathered from experiments by the Board of Ordnance, Davy begins by describing the characteristics of the geology of England and Wales, with regard to its suitability for obtaining building materials and laying strong foundations. He describes the means by which soil and rock samples may be taken, and gives details relating to the construction of the foundations of St Paul's Cathedral on the troublesome London clay. Later chapters discuss the practicalities of pile driving, the use of concrete, and the properties of limestone. Reflecting the progress of technical knowledge in the early nineteenth century, the work features several illustrations of contemporary apparatus."

Here, for the first time, is an in-depth, factual look at the entire art of ninjutsu, including the emergence of the ninja warriors and philosophy in feudal Japan; detailed historical events; its context in the development of other schools of martial arts; and the philosophies and exercises of the school today. Based on more than ten years of study and translation of authentic Japanese texts, including many that have never before been translated, this is the most comprehensive and accurate study of the art of ninjutsu ever written outside of Japan. This ninja book includes studies of ninjutsu history, philosophy, wisdom, and presents a wide range of information from authors, historians, chronicles and scrolls in order to foster a deep understanding of this "shadowy" art. For those who train in ninjutsu, for other martial art practitioners, for historians, and for anyone with an interest in Japanese feudal history or Japanese martial arts, The Ninja: The Secret History of Ninjutsu shines a light on this enigmatic subject.

Stamford has a reputation for being one of England's finest stone towns. It has a happy mix of medieval and Georgian architecture that was untouched by the Industrial Revolution or later large-scale developments, so its central core has survived remarkably intact. Its architecture is outstanding, and for this reason, in 1967, it became the country's first conservation area. In recent years the town has become a popular tourist destination for both home and overseas visitors. Stamford in 50 Buildings explores the history of this Lincolnshire town through a selection of its greatest architectural treasures, from medieval churches to picturesque town centre buildings. Follow local author Chris Davies as he guides us on a tour of the town's most notable buildings.