An excellent introduction to the field of mummy studies, Earthly Remains: The History and Science of Preserved Human Bodies succeeds at all levels.

First, the authors clearly explain the natural processes involved in mummification: in cold, dry, wet, and sterile environments. Second, they illustrate the dynamics with many examples of human mummification over the centuries. Details are provided about the mummies of Lenin and Eva Peron--as well as Abraham Lincoln, whose embalming seems to have lasted a good long time. Third, they provide excellent photographs of mummies, some not often seen.

Separate chapters are provided for bog mummies and frozen mummies, and a lengthy chapter on natural and artificial mummification is well-placed at the center of the book. One of the more interesting chapters, though is one entitled "Impressions of the dead" which deals not with mummies, but with "the outlines of bodies...in sandy soil. As the body rots in its grave, so sand invades the voids left by the dissolving tissue and becomes discolored by the mineral products of bodily decay." Such "sandmen" are described, along with the Pompeii people and cave/rock art hands, fingerprints, and footprints. The final chapter tackles the difficult subject of ethics involved in the display of human remains. It's very well done.

The book is illustrated with 89 black-and-white and 14 color photographs; the color photos are extremely high quality. This is a high quality book, published originally in England by the British Museum Press. In the United States it is being published by Oxford University Press Children's Books division, intended for young adults. There is nothing about it, however, to suggest it was originally written for teenagers. The authors are professors at the University of Sheffield. That said, it should find shelf space in many adult collections as well.