THE EXTERNAL EAR (2018)
Anthropometry, Biometrics, Anatomy, Development, Measurement, Analysis, Forensics, and Authentication of Human Identities

The human ear is a fascinating feature of human anatomy! Like fingerprints, the ear is unique to each person. This makes it an excellent form of identification. But, unlike fingerprints - which are smaller - the much larger ear can be easily photographed by anyone and later compared to its possible owner without the need for any special equipment - not even a magnifying glass - just a well-trained eye. If photographing ears became a yearly practice, starting from birth, the ear could be used to quickly identify missing children, homeless people, adults with amnesia or dementia, or unidentified human remains. Since 1980, face and ear anthropometrist Joelle Steele has examined more than 100,000 photographs of people, of which she measured and compared ears and facial features for approximately 25,000 different faces. In particular, her expertise with the external ear has made authentication of identities of faces in photographs faster and even more accurate. Because when the ears are visible in a photograph, they are the very first things she analyzes. No matter how close the facial resemblance, if the ears don’t match, it’s not the same person. The External Ear includes chapters on anthropometry, biometrics, ear anatomy, shapes, patterns, idiosyncrasies, abnormalities, development, genetic inheritance, measurement, comparisons, ears as identifiers, ear prints, ears in police sketches, 10 sample analyses, glossary, bibliography, and index. 118 pgs, 5.5" x 8.5", 415 B&W photographs and illustrations.

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REVIEWS

I'm studying ears as identifiers, and this book covered everything I needed to know. It also answered my questions about ear prints and ear inheritance, and cleared up some of my other ear-related confusion. "The External Ear" has lots of great information and excellent illustrations. - Tano Lanye, Bend, Oregon

This is a very interesting look at the little known subject of external ear identification. I seldom notice ears unless they are excessively large or stick way out. Yet per the author they can be a highly reliable means of identifying someone. Just like fingerprints, no two person’s ears are alike. This book covers the technical terms and methodology of using ears for identification purposes and then follows with many photo examples using mostly well- known people. Who knew that Frank Sinatra’s ears did not match at all? She also debunks several photos believed to be historical figures which when scrutinized with ear analysis are clearly not. Steele makes a very good case for including ears in identification documents such as passports and drivers licenses as facial features can be and frequently are altered which is not normally the case with ears. Overall a very good read and I would think a valuable resource for persons in law enforcement, the security industry, and those working on genealogies, to name a few. - Chris A. Martelli, University Place, Washington (amazon.com)

I have a copy of the author's other anthropometry book, "Face to Face," and it was great, but "The External Ear" goes into much more detail on the outer ear. As a genealogist I often have to identify faces in photos, and knowing all the details of the human ear is really helpful. - Sylvia K., Montpelier, Vermont

Thank you for this terrific book. It's hard to believe how much information is covered in so few pages. I really enjoyed all the case analyses too. It's amazing how easy it is to overlook the ears when comparing faces in pictures. I won't make that mistake again! - D. Stillsmith, Santa Monica, California

I almost passed on this book since there was already a chapter on ears in "Face to Face." But "The External Ear" is a little gem. I'm more enthusiastic than ever about the use of ears as identifying features. - Richard Waltham., Vero Beach, Florida