★★★★★ An unbiased presentation of evidence about the Shroud of Turin
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026 · Verified Purchase
This book gives a very thorough overview of all the evidence both for and against the Shroud of Turin. This evidence is extensive since the Shroud of Turin is probably the most widely researched ancient relic. The author is very familiar with all of this evidence. The book is very detailed and I found it easy to read. As the title states the book gives a forensic summary of the evidence and it does not try to “prove” that the Shroud of Turin is Christ’s burial shroud. In fact, unlike a mathematical theorem, the Shroud’s authenticity cannot be proved beyond any doubt. Rather one needs to examine all the evidence for authenticity which is vast, weigh the evidence against authenticity, which is primarily the radiocarbon dating results, and then decide on the cloth’s authenticity. When positive evidence is discussed, the author points out alternative negative evidence, in most cases the 1988 radiocarbon dating results showing that the Shroud was medieval. The author also points out the statistical and other flaws with the radiocarbon dating results and why they can be questioned. Thus, the reader is given a non-biased overview of pro and con arguments for the Shroud. In the last chapter the author gives his own view that based on the evidence presented the Shroud is authentic. Such a conclusion requires thoroughly studying the available evidence and recognizing that evidence will not lead to a mathematical proof of authenticity. Rather one must look at the evidence and form their own conclusion of what it indicates. This is an excellent book because of its thorough, unbiased presentation and analysis and it is one that anyone interested in the Shroud Should read. I recommend it very highly.
