I posted a little bit ago about humble doubt in the search for truth from the reading of Douglas Starr’s The Killer of Little Shepherds. I wanted to come back and offer up a few more thoughts on the book and advocate for why it might be worth reading.
This book tracks the development of modern forensic science. It’s like CSI: 19th century France. Specifically, it tracks the development of scientific methodology in the pursuit to catch one of the era’s most famous serial killers.
It’s always creepy reading about serial killing and reading the accounts. This book is not for the feint of heart. But it’s truly fascinating.
Here’s a few highlights from the book:
- Tracking the advancement of science in an period of transition from medieval to modern science and forensics.
- Learning about the key transitions in forensic methodology, including perspectives and philosophies about how to arrive and know the truth.
- Learning about the key figures and circumstances that ultimately led to the formation of what is now known as Scotland Yard.
It’s fascinating and well worth it if you can handle some graphic crime scene coverage.
