Fakes and Forgeries

Fakes and forgeries have existed since humans began creating art and written language. Laws against forgery existed in ancient Egypt, as skilled craftsmen made glass imitations of precious gemstones. Today, science has become a key partner in the battle against forgers as the techniques of forgery advance. Stamps, money, art, and historical artifacts are only a few of the objects that are commonly forged, and scientists working in forensic labs often work hand-in-hand with artists, museums, linguists, and historians to study artifacts and documents.

Fakes and Forgeries looks at the modern tools of computers, printers, and scanners to create questioned documents and counterfeits. Beginning with an overview of fakes and forgeries from ancient times to the present, this new volume examines the art of analyzing evidence from lottery tickets and voting ballots to stamps and envelopes.

Chapters include: