Synopses & Reviews
This new brief edition pairs two of archaeology's most recognized names-- David Hurst Thomas of the American Museum of Natural History and Robert L. Kelly of the University of Wyoming-to bring a passionate, down-to-earth introduction to archaeological method and theory to the classroom. Designed both for students who intend on pursuing a career in archaeology, as well as those who do not, the authors give students a more immediate, concrete impression of what the practice of archaeology is all about. They include well-chosen examples that show how archaeologists have worked through actual problems in the field and in the lab. After using this text, students will be better able to ask questions, solve problems, and discern "truth" from "fiction." Students will not only learn about the nature of archaeological data and how archaeologists do such things as archaeological survey and excavation, they will also develop their sense of scientific logic and gain a better understanding of what career opportunities are available for archaeologists. This edition is enhanced with new pedagogical features, many more photos and a completely new design to help students prioritize and learn the material presented. A rich array of supplemental resources includes a new companion website, as well as the option to use a new CD-ROM, DOING FIELDWORK: ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEMONSTRATIONS also developed by the authors.
Synopsis
In this passionate, down-to-earth introduction to archaeological method and theory, the authors present a welcome alternative to the third-person accounts found in other archaeology books on the market. By including their own fieldwork among the many examples, these authors offer their readers real, exciting insights into the practice of archaeology today. This book emphasizes the importance of seeking multiple perspectives and explanations to understand the past. The Fourth Edition features a new full-color design that enhances key points of the book's many images.
About the Author
David Hurst Thomas has served since 1972 as Curator of Anthropology at the American Museum of Natural History (New York). A specialist in Native American archaeology, he holds four degrees from the University of California, Davis (Ph.D., 1971) and a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) from The University of the South (conferred 1995). He has taught at Columbia University, New York University, University of California (Davis), University of Florida, University of Nevada, the City College of New York, and lectured in more than forty countries. Thomas has written 30 books, edited 90 additional volumes, and written more than 100 scientific papers. His most recent book is the award-winning SKULL WARS: KENNEWICK MAN, ARCHAEOLOGY, AND THE BATTLE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN IDENTITY (Basic Books, 2000). In 1989, Thomas was appointed as a Founding Trustee of the National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian Institution) and elected as a member of the National Academy of Sciences.Robert L. Kelly has participated in archaeological fieldwork since 1973 in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming, Chile, Georgia, New York, Maine, Michigan and Kentucky. He has recently conducted ethnographic and ethnoarchaeological research with a horticultural/forager population in southwest Madagascar. He recently finished his term as President of the Society for American Archaeology. His teaching and research interests include evolutionary ecology of hunting and gathering societies, archaeological method and theory, paleoindian colonization of the New World, human evolution, and stone tool technology. As the new co-author on ARCHAEOLOGY, Professor Kelly brings both student and instructor perspectives to the project as he is an active professor at the University of Wyoming.
Table of Contents
1. Meet Some Real Archaeologists. 2. The Structure of Archaeological Inquiry. 3. Doing Fieldwork: Surveying for Archaeological Sites. 4. Doing Fieldwork: Why Archaeologists Dig Square Holes. 5. Chronology Building: How to Get a Date. 6. The Dimensions of Archaeology: Time, Space, and Form. 7. Taphonomy, Experimental Archaeology, and Ethnoarchaeology. 8. People, Plants, and Animals in the Past. 9. Bioarchaeological Approaches to the Past. 10. Reconstructing Social and Political Systems of the Past. 11. The Archaeology of the Mind. 12. Historical Archaeology: Insights on American History. 13. Caring for the Global Cultural Heritage. Glossary. Bibliography. Photo Credits. Index.