Product Description
J. M. Adovasio has spent the last thirty years at the center of one of our most fiery scientific debates: Who were the first humans in the Americas, and how and when did they get there?

At its heart, The First Americans is the story of the revolution in thinking that Adovasio and his fellow archaeologists have brought about, and the firestorm it has ignited. As he writes, “The work of lifetimes has been put at risk, reputations have been damaged, an astounding amount of silliness and even profound stupidity has been taken as serious thought, and always lurking in the background of all the argumentation and gnashing of tenets has been the question of whether the field of archaeology can ever be pursued as a science.” ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Fighting the p.c. mafia
Adovasio's bitterness is understandable, since the Kennewick Man controversy made clear that the liberal, white-guilt, politically correct crowd WANTED whites to not be the first Americans, to NOT be native Americans, and to be cruel invaders of the land of the gentle Red Man. Clinton had the Army Corps of Engineers dump tons of gravel on the Kennewick Man site! By denying the Solutrean hypothesis, about which Dr. Dennis Stanford of the Smithsonian is writing a major book, whites of today are supposed to continue feeling guilty for "stealing the Indians' land" since 1492. Thor Heyerdahl's last two books -- such as "The Hunt for Odin, " and never even translated into English, although he was world-famous -- were also full of bitterness over the p.c. academic crowd ignoring his life's work, which proved that whites explored the Pacific on rafts in ancient times. When you make a solid case for 30 years, and are ignored, anyone would get polemical.

Short Review
This is a very informative book.It is a fairly easy read, but at times tough to get through. Adovasio is very persuasive in his believes and I enjoyed learn about his thoughts and facts about the "Clovis Man."

A Solid Introduction to Pre-Clovis Archaeology
"The First Americans" is a very good introduction to the problems and latest theories relating to the peopling of the Americas.James Adovasio was the principal archaeologist at Meadowcroft Rockshelter, in Pennsylvania, for many years, and it was there that he conducted some of the most careful excavations since the beginning of scientific archaeology.Unfortunately the world was not ready to accept his findings, which were first expounded in the 1970s and stated that people arrived in the Americas much earlier than previously thought - long before the existence of Clovis spear points and before people could have emigrated across the Bering Land Bridge.However, something interesting happened in the closing years of the 20th century: the growing acceptance that the Monte Verde site in South America did indeed predate North American Clovis sites caused a crisis within the archaeological community.While this crisis is not completely settled, it is now generally accepted that maritime peoples travelling the coasts of the Americas arrived at some period before 10,000 BC - well before the start of Clovis culture.This book recounts this controversy from its beginnings in the 19th century right up until the start of the 21st century, and is a wonderful resource for both the general reader, and archaeologists whose specialities are in other time periods.Although it is extremely didactic at times, such as in its explanation of the usefulness of the Carbon 14 dating method, it is still extremely informative and a great book.As a professional archaeologist not trained in the Pre-Clovis/Paleoindian time period, I have not only found this book to be useful in my own forays into this era of prehistory, I literally could not put the book down.I enjoyed every minute of it, and recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about the earliest Americans!

The First Americans
I found The First American an easy and enjoyable read about early Native Americans.It is not for the professional but for serious amateurs interested in the human development of North America.It shows the strong opinions of the major archeologist involved in this search.The author also has strong opinion but takes care to keep fact and opinions separated.Most people would enjoy the book.

Curious man
Humans are a curious lot.Here that curiosity is directed toward the prehistory of humans in the Americas.When did people get to North America? Where did they come from? What were they like?This book by a guy who has been involved in these questions all his professional life. And he knows many of the other professionals engaged in the same quest.He knows their work, and their prejudices.And most important, how they view his own work.

This makes for a lively read indeed.This is a no-holds barred, Watson's Double Helix, view of the current archaeological scene.There are some pretty colorful characters here, and Adovasio has clearly had a good time getting his licks in.

The history of the key digs, and the arguments with the Clovis first guys are vividly presented, and I enjoyed every bit of it.It amazes me, though, that after a century or so of the pursuit of answers, how little data has actually turned up.There seems to be only a couple of handfuls of informative sites, with only a few bones, some broken rocks, and not much else.Everything is questioned, at least somewhat plausibly, by someone.Confusion and chaos, lots of conjecture, and not enough money.

The book has a reasonably good index, a terrific bibliography, no footnotes, and lots of pictures (hooray!).

This investigation is clearly only its earliest stages of development, with an awful lot to be discovered yet.New techniques for going after the data will yet be developed, no doubt, and the coming decades will see more revolutions yet.I can't wait to see what comes next.I hope Adovasio is around to write about it. ... Read more

Product Description
Utopian thought since Thomas More, and science fiction in the neoliberal age.In an ageof globalization characterized by the dizzying technologies of theFirst World, and the social disintegration of the Third, is the conceptof utopia still meaningful? Archaeologies of the Future, Jameson’s mostsubstantial work since Postmodernism, Or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism,investigates the development of this form since Thomas More, andinterrogates the functions of utopian thinking in a post-Communist age.The relationship between utopia and science fiction isexplored through the representations of otherness … alien life andalien worlds … and a study of the works of Philip K. Dick, UrsulaLeGuin, William Gibson, Brian Aldiss, Kim Stanley Robinson and more.Jameson’s essential essays, including “The Desire Called Utopia,”conclude with an examination of the opposing positions on utopia and anassessment of its political value today. ... Read more

Product Description
Underwater Archaeology: The NAS Guide to Principles and Practice provides a comprehensive summary of the archaeological process as applied in an underwater context.

• Long awaited second edition of what is popularly referred to as the NAS Handbook
• Provides a practical guide to underwater archaeology: how to get involved, basic principles, essential techniques, project planning and execution, publishing and presenting
• Fully illustrated with over 100 drawings and new colour graphics
• New chapters on geophysics, historical research, photography and video, monitoring and maintenance and conservation

Customer Reviews (1)

Best intro to underwater archaeology available
...also the only one for undergraduate course use (in English).

The very long-awaited successor to the 1992 edition edited by Martin Dean et al., this Second Ed. has fewer pages but is in a larger format, so I estimate it's about the same word count. As one might expect, the new "NAS Handbook" updates the technological advances of the past decade and a half (remote sensing surveys, use of GPS, GIS-based mapping) while leaving the underlying principles of archaeology pretty much unchanged. It also contains new material on conservation of underwater cultural resources, and a brief review of different nation-states' legislative frameworks for protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, commonly known as Submerged (or Marine) Cultural Resource Management in the USA. This edition has some great color plates as a new feature, but only a few of Ben Ferrari's wonderful b&w line drawings (highly informative cartoons, almost) that were a unique aspect of the original edition. The "References and Further Reading" are as recent as 2007. Finally, there are appendices on how to properly record anchors and ordnance, the two most common artifact types that divers are likely to encounter, and a summary of the NAS training program (not very well known in the USA, unfortunately).

Next year I'm going to use it as an undergrad textbook, not because it's the only one available, but also a reputable successor to the first edition. ... Read more

Product Description
Tremendously detailed and thorough account of premodern weapons of war—from the prehistoric Bronze and Iron Ages and the breakup of the Roman Empire, to the Viking era and the Age of Chivalry. Profusely illustrated with a host of armor and weapons: daggers, longbows, crossbows, helmets, swords, shields, spears and more.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

A cherished resource on the history of the sword.
The Archaeology of Weapons: Arms and Armour from Prehistory to the Age of Chivalry - the informative, personable survey of weapons by the late sword-expert, Ewart Oakeshott (1916-2002) - remains after forty years one of the best introductions to the history and forms of the European sword from pre-history to the late Middle Ages.It reveals the reasons for its various developments, which include both metallurgical technology and advances in armor and military technique.I wish that I could have given this book five stars - indeed, for its time it would have earned them easily - however, because some of the information is outdated, including the many passages regarding the contemporary collections in which the swords he mentions were present, the work is dated and certain information has become unnecessary.It is for this reason alone, one which was inevitable with time, that this work does not achieve present-day perfection status.Fortunately, this does not deplete the pleasurable learning experience that Oakeshott's knowledge and style provide.

The sword, truly, is the main focus of this work, partly due to the fact that it played such a central role in ancient societies, but also because its form and function provide invaluable insight into the military habits of its users.In contrast, axes, bows, and spears changed less frequently in form and use, and therefore require less attention throughout the text.Nevertheless, Oakeshott does address these weapons within their appropriate eras and still provides adequate information on them to the reader.

Oakeshott's most lasting contribution to the field of sword research, however, is his typology of medieval and Renaissance sword-types based upon the silhouette and blade morphology of the weapon.While not entirely groundbreaking (it is a continuation of Jan Petersen's typology for Viking swords, which Oakeshott admits), this created an effective systematic organization which is still in use today, if only a bit modified.It fully recognized the sword as a deadly tool and not just an artistic curiosity, as it had so often previously been approached.Each of the thirteen types is explained thoroughly within the book, with examples (a more thorough examination can be found in his Records of the Medieval Sword).

Ewart Oakeshott was an amateur historian whose writing is devoid of the stuffiness and cryptic language of his more academically-trained peers.In fact, he was an accomplished artist, and his precise illustrations are found throughout the text to compliment and explain various concepts and to show visually the individual pieces he discusses.His enthusiasm is infectious and his wit delightful to read.Enough cannot be said about this book for those interested in the development of European weapons - it is invaluable and rightly cherished.His other works, additionally, are highly recommended.

History of Weapons
This is a great book for anyone with an interest in medieval history. It is very indepth and accurate, covering many different areas concerning the progression of weaponry throughout the ages. I highly recommend it for the medieval enthusiast, for even though it goes through other eras, it does have a central concentration on early Europe. Its a fascinating read.

Should Be Called "The Archaeology of Swords" & not Weapons
I bought this mainly for what I could learn about fighting axes.What I got was a description of 3 vague axe types without any new (or much old)information about them.Thats not much in 330pp.I was disappointed from the second I opened it and leafed through it.Obviously there were a great many axes used in these times periods yet you wouldn't think so reading this book.The 95% of this is on swords.If you were interested in much of anything else from that time period, forget it.If swords are your thing this is for you.

The Archaeology of Weapons: Arms and Armour from Prehistory to the Age of Chivalry
This is a very informative book, written clearly and delightfully free of arcane references. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because most of the illustrations are drawings rather than photographs. The drawings are good though. This is a good reference book for dating the styles and innovations of edged weapons up through the end of the 15th century--Particularly for a collector.

A compelling read
This book goes beyond the history and developement of the sword and related weapons.It deals with early European history as it relates to weaponry and fighting techniques and back the claims with archeological findings.Oakeshott also discusses the old sagas and other historical lore, supported by archeology, to illustrate the culture of the sword and the peoples who used these weapons.I find it hard to just finish the chapter that I am on and get about with the day's work.A truely compelling read for those interested in anchient weaponry. ... Read more

Product Description
How to apply the definitive postmodern therapeutic technique in a variety of situations, including treating alcoholics, counseling students, treating male sexual abuse survivors, and more. Written with scholarship, energy, practicality, and awareness.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

It's helpful!
I think it's helpful for those who want to study narrative therapy. The part one in this book is good for someone not familiar with narrative therapy, and the part two is just useful for someone who is in the practice of narrative therapy. I think everyone who like narrative therapy must not miss this book!

You'll Wish Your Therapist Would Practice This.
Wonderful book. Wonderful, groundbreaking ideas. Its inspiring to know that therapy has the potential to be like this.

Comprehensive and easy to read
This book was required for a Narrative Therapy class I'm taking.It is well written with lots of examples from practice, ranging from child therapy to women with anorexia to community work.

Great introduction to narrative therapy
This was easy to read and a great foundation upon which to further explore this fascinating story-based practice.

Excellent Book!
This collection of chapters is essential reading for people learning the narrative approach. Brilliant! ... Read more

Product Description
Although it's most often associated with the excavation of historical sites, archaeology is more so a quest to recover a better understanding of early civilizations-their language, history, and culture.This comprehensive and accessible guide offers full-color maps, photographs, and diagrams to introduce readers to biblical archaeology. By sharing knowledge and insight into the historical contexts and cultural settings of the biblical narratives, the authors give readers glasses through which they can truly experience the life and work of such godly men as Abraham and Moses, as well as Jesus and his disciples. As a result, readers can achieve a more accurate interpretation of the biblical text and gain a greater understanding of their faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Wonderful Book to Illustrate Your Bible Study
The book "Bible Archaeology..." is a wonderful companion to your daily bible study.The authors define archaeology for us "simple folks" so that our faith is reinforced and God's Word is made more alive!The book has over 200 high quality photos that will also reinforce the memories of those who have traveled to the Holy Land or the areas where Paul discipled the early Church.I recommend this book to all who love God's Word and who desire greater depth to their studies.

Good txt for intro students
In my intro classes, I get students who are hungry and excited to learn about archaeology. Mind you, all they know about 'archaeology' is usually from movies or programmes on the History Channel and PBS.Some of the mental image they have is correct, but they have many mis-perceptions also.This book gives a good introduction to what archaeology is, how it is carried out in the field, and what conclusions can (and more importantly CAN'T) be derived from the material record. It also gives historical background over the major periods of Biblical history - which is a good foundation for not only students of archaeology, but students of the Bible!

I strongly recommend this book if you would like to learn the basics of archaeology, middle eastern history from ~5300 BCE to ~70 CE, or more about the world and cultures of the Bible. I believe if you read this book and study your Bible with it, you'll know more than probably 95% of the general population on this subject.

--
Hoerth and McRay have put together a helpful resource for people who want to know what kind, quantity, and quality of archaeological evidence exists for Bible times. Beginning with Mesopotamia and continuing with Egypt, Palestine, Persia, Turkey, Greece, and Italy, Hoerth and McRay systematically walk us through the archaeological finds pertaining to each of these regions and show us the significance to the Biblical narrative.

Filled with hundreds of pictures and maps, Bible Archaeology can be a useful resource to own. Written in an easy-to-understand style, this book puts lots of useful information at your fingertips without forcing you to wade through the technical shop-talk.

While using these resources is important, it is necessary to remember their limitations. The authors are neither inspired nor inerrant, their conclusions should not be accepted blindly as fact, and we should always try to corroborate their conclusions with other sources and experts. Having said that, I would recommend this book to pastors, youth pastors, small group leaders, and anyone else striving to strengthen the faith of fellow believers (or their own).

Good introductory text
This book is up to date and is well written and illustrated. It covers the entire Biblical text with emphasis given to each separate geographic area, i.e. Egypt, Mesopotamia, etc. Suitable for either a classroom text or for the general reader, it is a good place to start.

Biblical Archaeology in perspective
I like this book a lot. It's a very accessible introduction to the world of Biblical Archaeology. It shows how Biblical Archaeology fits as a scientific discipline within the other realms of archaeology of the ancient world. It also shows how what we know about the Biblical world from archaeology fits in with what we know archaeologically about other nearby ancient civilizations. Modern scientists treat these realms as separate disciplines but in the ancient world they were inter-related and we profit by better understanding the relationships. This book is bountifully illustrated with beautiful color photographs, many photographs and perspectives that I haven't seen in other books on Biblical Archaeology. ... Read more

Product Description
This text pairs two of archaeology's most recognized names: Robert L. Kelly and David Hurst Thomas, who together have over 70 years of experience leading excavations. The fifth edition of ARCHAEOLOGY reflects the most recent research and changes in the field, while covering core concepts in an exceptionally student-friendly fashion using personalized examples and high-interest topics. This edition continues a tradition of combining academic rigor with an engaging writing style that has made ARCHAEOLOGY one of the most well-respected and best-selling texts in the discipline. The new, streamlined edition is enhanced with full-color photos and a completely new design. A rich array of supplemental resources are available for purchase, including a book companion website, as well as a CD-ROM developed by the authors entitled, DOING FIELDWORK: ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEMONSTRATIONS. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

ok book
This book was required for a class. It is ok but even the professor said it was a little confusing.

Overall Good Seller
Item did not arrive in condition stated but it is usable. Fast shipping. Overall good seller.

Archaeology
Just what I need for fall semester class and a lesser price than university bookstore....thanks Amazon.com.... ... Read more

Product Description

This handbook is the first comprehensive overview of the field of satellite remote sensing for archaeology and how it can be applied to ongoing archaeological fieldwork projects across the globe. It provides a survey of the history and development of the field, connecting satellite remote sensing in archaeology to broader developments in remote sensing, archaeological method and theory, cultural resource management, and environmental studies. With a focus on practical uses of satellite remote sensing, Sarah H. Parcak evaluates satellite imagery types and remote sensing analysis techniques specific to the discovery, preservation, and management of archaeological sites.

Case studies from Asia, Central America, and the Middle East are explored, including Xi’an, China; Angkor Wat, Cambodia and Egypt’s floodplains. In-field surveying techniques particular to satellite remote sensing are emphasized, providing strategies for recording ancient features on the ground observed from space. The book also discusses broader issues relating to archaeological remote sensing ethics, looting prevention, and archaeological site preservation. New sensing research is included and illustrated with the inclusion of over 160 satellite images of ancient sites.

With a companion website (www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415448789) with further resources and colour images, Satellite Remote Sensing for Archaeology will provide anyone interested in scientific applications to uncovering past archaeological landscapes a foundation for future research and study.

Product Description

The Handbook of South American Archaeology has been created as a major reference work for archaeologists working in South America, professors and their upper-division undergraduate and graduate students in South American archaeology courses including areal courses (Central Andes, North Andes, tropical lowlands), archaeologists working elsewhere in the world who want to learn about South American prehistory in a single volume.

Product Description
The archaeology of death and burial is central to our attempts to understand vanished societies. Through the remains of funerary rituals we can learn not only about the attitudes of prehistoric people to death and the afterlife, but also about their way of life, their social organisation and their view of the world. This ambitious new book reviews the latest research in this huge and important field, and describes the sometimes controversial interpretations that have led to rapid advances in our understanding of life and death in the distant past. It provides a unique overview and synthesis of one of the most revealing fields of research into the past, It creates a context for several of archaeology's most breath-taking discoveries, from Tutankhamen to the Ice Man, and will find a keen market among archaeologists, historians and others who have a professional interest in, or general curiosity about, death and burial. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Like new
the description for the book said that it was used, but in fact it looked brand new! the bindings didn't look like it had any wear, same w/the pages

Excellent Survey of World Funerary Practices
Written as a great guide to world funerary practices for undergraduates and the curious layperson, Parker Pearson's, "The Archaeology of Death and Burial" presents excellent traditionalist, processualist, and post-processualist theories and empiracal evidence of death archaeology worldwide. ... Read more

Product Description

This second edition from our successful Basics series presents another chance to delve into this increasingly popular subject. Fully updated, Archaeology: The Basics has been revised to reflect growth in areas such as material culture, human evolution and the political use of the past.

Lively and engaging, some of the key questions answered include:

• What are the basic concepts of archaeology?
• How and what do we know about people and objects from the past?
• What makes a good explanation in archaeology?
• How do we know where to look?

From everyday examples to the more obscure, this is essential reading for all students, independent archaeologists and indeed all those who want to know more about archaeological thought, history and practice. A piece of broken pottery will never seem the same again.

Product Description
Developed with three educational levels in mind, The Archaeology Book takes you on an exciting exploration of history and ancient cultures. You'll learn both the techniques of the archaeologist and the accounts of some of the richest discoveries of the Middle East that demonstrate the accuracy and historicity of the Bible. In The Archaeology Book you will unearth: How archaeologists know what life was like in the past; Why broken pottery can tell more than gold or treasure can; Some of the difficulties in dating ancient artifacts; How the brilliance of ancient cultures demonstrates God's creation; History of ancient cultures, including the Hittites, Babylonians, and Egyptians; The early development of the alphabet and its impact on discovery; The numerous archaeological finds that confirm biblical history; Why the Dead Sea scrolls are considered such a vital breakthrough. Filled with vivid full-color photos, detailed drawings, and maps, you will have access to some of the greatest biblical mysteries ever uncovered. With the enhanced educational format of this book and the unique color-coded, multi-age design, it allows the ease of teaching the fundamentals of archaeology through complex insights to three distinct grade levels. Level 1 Grades 5-6; Level 2 Grades 7-8; Level 3 Grades 9-11 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A great way to introduce your kids to Ancient Near Eastern archaeology!
As a kid, I had many backyard archaeological adventures, that in my childhood mind rivaled the excitement of the most recent Indiana Jones movie. Fortunately, my love of archaeology was more than just a passing boyhood fascination. It is an interest and passion that has stuck with me all the way into adulthood. Being somewhat of a self-proclaimed Bible nerd, archaeology of the Ancient Near East has always been a pet subject. As a homeschooling father, I have been searching for age appropriate resources to introduce my children to the exciting history and archaeology of the peoples of the Ancient Near East. Unfortunately my college archaeology textbooks just won't do as they are way too wordy for my 8 year old and don't have nearly enough pictures (let alone color pictures) for my 5 year old. For some time now, I have been on the lookout for a book with engaging color pictures, maps and drawings as well as biblically-relevant content that is accessible for a broad range of age groups. The Archaeology Book published by Master Books is exactly the type of resource I have been looking for.

The Archaeology Book is the latest addition to the Wonders of Creation series. One distinct enhancement in this book over previous books in the series is that the chapters have been organized with three educational levels in mind. Level 1 content is coded yellow and is appropriate for 5th-6th graders, level 2 content is coded blue/gray and is appropriate for 7-8th graders, and level 3 content is coded white and is appropriate for 9th-11th graders. I believe this change enhances the return on investment for this book, allowing it to be more effectively used across multiple grade levels. A more detailed explanation of this new layout is found on page 5 of the book. I expect this layout will be also be utilized for future books in the Wonders of Creation series.

This book is by no means small, coming in at just under one hundred pages. The topics are divided across eleven chapters. Topics covered include:

* Chapter 1: What Archaeology is all About
* Chapter 2: Land of Egypt
* Chapter 3: The Hittites
* Chapter 4: Assyria
* Chapter 6: Babylon: City of Gold
* Chapter 7: Persia
* Chapter 8: Petra
* Chapter 9: The Phoenicians
* Chapter 10: The Dead Sea Scrolls
* Chapter 11: Israel

Each chapter begins with five questions related to the who, what where, why and how of the chapter's topic. This is especially useful for letting readers know the key information they should be watching for as they work through the chapter. There are many words used in the book that may be new to younger readers. Each of the chapters with especially difficult or unique words includes a list of key terms (i.e. words to know). Definitions for these words can be found in the glossary / index on pages 94-95 at the back of the book.

From beginning to end, readers of all ages will be captivated by the numerous full-color photos, maps, and detailed drawings found throughout the entire book. Children and adults will come away from this book with a better appreciation for the archaeology and history of the peoples of the Ancient ear East. I especially appreciated that David Down makes a good case for how the biblical record fits well with the ongoing discoveries being made in Ancient Near Eastern archaeology. He does an excellent job of putting the people groups in a biblical context, relating biblical accounts of the many people groups mentioned throughout the book. Based on the new content organizational structure, the general age range for this book is fifth through eleventh grades. While this is the target age range, my children as young as five listened intently and enjoyed the many pictures. We will be using The Archaeology Book as supplemental material for year one of Tapestry of Grace homeschool curriculum. If you are planning on incorporating The Archaeology Book into your homeschooling curriculum, you will want to download a copy of the great printable study guide that is available as a free PDF on the Master Books web site.

Author Information:
David Down has experienced the wonders of archaeological discoveries in Egypt, the Middle East and Israel for over 48 years. David shares his latest discoveries in a monthly archaeology journal called "Diggings," and a bi-monthly magazine called "Archaeological Diggings" produced and distributed in the United States.

Disclaimer:
This book was provided by Master Books for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

Greatly enjoyed this book
We homeschool our five children and I find all of the books in this series (Wonders of Creation) wonderfully helpful in our studies.We tend to be very eclectic in our method of schooling, basically creating our own "unit studies" around certain topics.If we want to study something, we find books related to that topic and we study it so thoroughly that the children basically retain the information forever.Homeschooling is such a blessing and I am grateful that publishers such as Master Books have made it so much easier by providing helpful, Bible-based materials to supplement our educational endeavors.

Sonya Haskins, homeschool mom and author of Homeschooling for the Rest of Us: How Your One-of-a-Kind Family Can Make Homeschooling and Real Life Work

A great introduction to archaeology and ancient history of the Middle Eastern lands
"The Archaeology Book" is a publication of the Wonders of Creation multi-age format series, which allow the book to be used to teach at three different levels differentiated by color. Level One, on yellow background, is for 5th-6th grades and focuses on the who, what, where, why, and how questions of important archaeological and historical information. Level Two, text on blue-gray background, aims at grades 7-8 and digs deeper into historical/archaeological issues and discoveries, with added sections titled Words to Know and Reflections. Level Three, on white background, is suitable for 9th-11th grades and presents all previous material plus a section called Dig Deeper that "takes the reader into controversial and critical issues pertaining to historical accounts, chronologies, dating methods, and more." "The Archaeology Book" is a great introduction to archaeology and ancient history of the Middle Eastern lands of biblical times, including Egypt, Palestine, Syria and Jordan. As an introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls, findings of modern archaeologists in Jerusalem and Palestine, and much more information, "The Archaeology Book " is a valuable resource for teachers and students ages 10 and up. "The Archaeology Book" contains a glossary, free downloadable study guide, and countless full color photographs of famous sites and digs and relics.

Overall, a good introduction to Biblical archaeology
"The Archaeology Book" is educational nonfiction about archaeology, with a focus on Bible-related archaeology, for grades 5-8. The full-color photographs of ancient ruins, digs, etc., were lovely, and the maps were useful. I liked the "David Downs Journal" sections which told of his experiences while on digs. Other archaeologists were also quoted describing a find or commenting on archaeology. There was a glossary in the back, though most words were either explained in the text or could be figured out from the context.

The book started with information on archaeology, like how a dig is laid out, what archaeologists look for, what that tells them, how layers are given a date, and why there can be controversy among archaeologists about the interpretation of a find. Then the book covered various Middle Eastern civilizations: Israel, Egypt, the Hittites, Ur, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Petra, and the Phoenicians. It told how the civilization was "found" again by archaeologists, where the civilization was located, and information about those kings mentioned in the Bible or Biblical events related to that civilization. (For those who care, the author's alignment of ancient civilizations to the Bible was based on Courville's & Velikovsky's ideas.)

There was a section on the Dead Sea Scrolls. It described ancient writing, writing material, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, where they were found, what was found, and how the scrolls were pieced back together. He described how critics said the Bible was full of copying errors, so I was very surprised and disappointed that he never explained that the Dead Sea Scrolls showed how accurately the Bible had been copied over thousands of years. He did mention that the many copies of the book of Daniel in the find meant that they thought Daniel was a genuine book of prophesy, but that's about it.

Overall, the information was very good and was presented in an easy-to-understand and interesting fashion. The more difficult topics, like carbon-14 dating and the reasons for revising the Egyptian chronology, could have been explained in a little more depth, in my opinion, for the high schoolers. I think high schoolers would find the book pretty basic.

The book had three levels of information. Grades 5 & 6 are supposed to read the sections with the yellow background. Grades 7 & 8 can read the sections with the yellow background and the blue background. Grades 9-11 can read all the sections (including those with the white background). Sometimes, this worked out. Other times, the information would be disjointed and confusing if read this way. For example, several times a story was being told and the background would switch from white to yellow (or blue) under the text of the story. Yet the yellow (or blue) section would make no sense without reading the white section first.

The book as a whole seemed appropriate for grades 5-8. Personally, I'd recommend ignoring the colored backgrounds, letting the child read the whole thing, and helping anytime they have trouble. I've explained much more advanced chronological ideas to a 6th grader with no problem, so it may be just a matter of the child's reading level.

I'd recommend this book as an interesting introduction to Biblical archaeology for tweens on up...as long as the reader also takes time to learn about how the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the Bible's accuracy.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

Good starting archaeology book
The Archaeology Book is the latest book in the Wonders of Creation series put out by Master Books.David Down puts over 40 years of archaeological knowledge into this book to provide the reader with unique insights into the field of archaeology.

The book is set up in a multi-level format: level one - 5th to 6th grade, level two - 7th to 8th grade, and level three - 9th to 11th grade.As the levels get higher, the topics and information go more in depth.The first level covers the basics of who, what, where, why, and how.The second level allows the reader to reflect more on the information and includes words to know.The final level, level three, encourages readers to deep deeper into the subject matter.In addition to the different levels of study, readers will find tidbits from David Down in the form of DD's Journal.

Topics covered in this book include: What is Archaeology?, Land of Egypt, The Hittites, Ur of the Chaldees, Assyria, Babylon: City of Gold, Persia, Petra, The Phoenicians, The Dead Sea Scrolls, and Israel.The book includes a brief glossary in the back.The book contains numerous beautiful photographs and illustrations to capture the readers attention and encourage their imagination.

I found this to be a very nice resource to anyone who wants to start a study on archaeology or for reference material when studying different Biblical times.

I received a copy of this book from Master Books for the purpose of an honest review. ... Read more

Product Description
Public interest in biblical archaeology is at an all-time high, as television documentaries pull in millions of viewers to watch shows on the Exodus, the Ark of the Covenant, and the so-called Lost Tomb of Jesus.Important discoveries with relevance to the Bible are made virtually every year--during 2007 and 2008 alone researchers announced at least seven major discoveries in Israel, five of them in or near Jerusalem. Biblical Archaeology offers a passport into this fascinating realm, where ancient religion and modern science meet, and where tomorrow's discovery may answer a riddle that has lasted a thousand years.
Archaeologist Eric H. Cline here offers a complete overview of this exciting field. He discusses the early pioneers, such as Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie and William Foxwell Albright, the origins of biblical archaeology as a discipline, and the major controversies that first prompted explorers to go in search of objects and sites that would "prove" the Bible. He then surveys some of the most well-known biblical archaeologists, including Kathleen Kenyon and Yigael Yadin, the sites that are essential sources of knowledge for biblical archaeology, such as Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer, Lachish, Masada, and Jerusalem, and some of the most important discoveries that have been made, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Mesha Inscription, and the Tel Dan Stele.Subsequent chapters examine additional archaeological finds that shed further light on the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, the issue of potential frauds and forgeries, including the James Ossuary and the Jehoash Tablet, and future prospects of the field.
Biblical Archaeology: A Very Short Introduction captures the sense of excitement and importance that surrounds not only the past history of the field but also the present and the future, with fascinating new discoveries made each and every season. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A clear and intelligent introduction to the subject
One of the most appealing things about the Bible is its detailed, sometimes even over scrupulous, concern with the details of locations, buildings, and genealogies. Judaism and Christianity are religions that are squarely grounded in history and geography of ancient Near East. However, for the better part of the past two millennia there was a rather scarce physical evidence for most of the places and events that had been described in the Bible. That all started to change in the nineteenth century with the advent of what would now be considered the field of "Biblical Archeology." This is a rather fascinating topic in its own right, and this very short introduction does a great feat of introducing this discipline to the general readership.

The first part of the book deals primarily with the history of Biblical Archeology. Its origins can be found in the middle of the nineteenth century when Westerners started accessing Palestine in ever-greater numbers. Unsurprisingly, most of the early archeologists were in one way or another religiously motivated, and a substantial number of them were either ministers or had other religious background. Even thought these early Biblical archeologists were by and large amateurs, their work and contributions to the field were quite remarkable. Over time the field has substantially matured, and this book does a great job of describing its evolution and most significant developments and findings. This book is in fact a great introduction to all of archeology, as many of the methods and techniques that are described herein are applicable in other archeological excavations as well.

The second part of the book deals primarily with the evidence that has been obtained thus far for confirming or rejecting events and persons described in the Bible based solely on the archeological findings. Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, the general historical outlines that have been described in the Bible have received at least some support form archeology. However, there are also many biblical accounts for which the archeological evidence is still inconclusive.

The book also does a fine job with discussing several recent probable forgeries that had received a lot of media attention. The evidence and counterevidence for the authenticity of artifacts such as the James' Ossuary and several others is presented clearly and fairly, and the reader can come up with his or her own conclusions.

In the end, this book is a valuable first exposure to anyone who is interested in learning more about the archeology of the ancient Near East, whether they are religiously motivated or not. This is a very readable and accessible book and I highly recommend it.

Belongs on your nightstand
This book traces in a clear and concise manner archaeological phases from the middle ages to the present time. It is clear about who discovered what, it defines both sides of major controversies, it puts the magazine "Biblical Archaeological Review" and founder Herschel Schenks in a proper perspective. A student, using this book, would be able to pick an area to do further research. This is the best written overview of archaeology I ever read. Mike Tuccinardi ... Read more

Product Description
Written by renowned archaeologist John White, Ph.D., this book shows any teacher or parent how to help kids become young archaeologists. Imagine the thrill students will experience as they discover artifacts from the past. There isn't a single student who won't love the activities in this book!

From creating simulated archaeology digs in the classroom to digs in the community, this book is a how-to for teaching archaeology. Of equal importance is that while learning the discipline of archaeology, students will be acquiring skills in math, biology, geology, art, geography, history, and language skills, as well as motor, social, and conceptual skills.

Hands-On Archaeology shows teachers everything they will need to help students conduct real-life archaeological digs. Packed with activities, this book first offers small-scale activities that can easily be conducted in the classroom using everyday materials. Then, the author takes kids out if the school to an empty lot in the community. Students will not just learn about archaeology—they will be archaeologists!

Grades 4-10 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great resource for teachers
Working at a museum where we've installed an exhibit with archaeological artifacts, I wanted something I could recommend to teachers to use as supplemental activities in the classroom.This is the only book I've found that's a)appropriate for elementary students, b)not dumbed-down, and c)science-based rather than just treasure-hunting.And though a few of the activities are a bit repetitive or redundant, I highly recommend this book!

Excellent resource for the classroom teacher
When I read the description of this book on Amazon I assumed it would be full of stand-alone "rainy-day"-type kids' activities.I was wrong.The book actually contains a complete archaeology curriculum made up of 43 activites (lessons) which can be modified to fit students in grades 4-10. It is designed for teachers who (like me) know little or nothing about archaeology.Each activity is described in detail with objectives, material lists, vocabulary lists, etc. The later activities build on the earlier ones.There are also several worksheets included, but these are not time-killers or games; they are used to document and build on the hands-on portion of each lesson. This is a great book, designed for real learning, and I would highly recommend it for classroom teachers and for groups of home schoolers.However, it does not exactly fit my needs.The group I am working with will have only a limited amount of instructional time, so we will not be able to complete more than four or five lessons and none of these activities stand alone.But I am so impressed by the quality of the material in this book that I am going to try to adapt it and at least give my students a good introduction to the subject.And, although it will take me some time to finish reading the book, I know I will also learn a lot in the process. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Complex Topic Well-Explained
This book gives simple yet complete explanations of how archaeological "detectives" investigate the past by using scientific clues and techniques. Land and sea exploration is covered and sections are devoted to looking for evidence; pottery; bodies; animal and plant remains; and buildings.

Various dating methods are explained: radioactive dating, carbon 14, tree rings, potassium,argon dating, fission track dating, and thermoluminesence.

Also included are sections about detecting fakes (by dating tests, X-rays, and chemical tests) and about how we can preserve our past . Conservation methods for wood, leather, and metal are covered as well as how archaeologists put ancient broken items back together.

The authors explain how archaeologists put together their evidence and research to come to logical conclusions.

As usual with all Usborne books for this age group, the wonderfully simple drawings fully illustrate the concepts presented. ... Read more

Product Description
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and related spatial technologies have a new powerful role to play in archaeological analysis and interpretation, particularly as a tool for the management of archaeological resources. There is also a discussion of leading-edge issues, including three-dimensional GIS, object-oriented GIS, the relationship between GIS and 'Vitual Reality' technologies, and the integration of GIS with Distributed systems and the Internet. ... Read more

Product Description
A pioneering book in the relatively recent field of African American archaeology.

Winner of the Southern Anthropological Society's prestigious James Mooney Award, Uncommon Ground takes a unique archaeological approach to examining early African American life. Ferguson's provocative results show black pioneers working within the bars of bondage to shape their distinct identity and to lay a rich foundation for the multicultural adjustments that became colonial America. Through artifacts gathered from plantations and urban slave communities during the pre-Revolutionary period, Ferguson integrates folklore, history, and research to reveal how these enslaved people actually lived. Recovered potshards tell of economic interrelations between plantation slaves and Native Americans, and ritual objects open up a discussion of African slave religion. Impeccably researched and beautifully written. 41 b/w photographs, 37 b/w illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

History from the ground up.
This book provides insight into the physical evidence being unearthed and explored by archaeologists engaged in the study of early colonial African American sites. While some of the content is a tad dry ,Professor Ferguson's enthusiasm for his subject manages to infuse much of this book with a sense of excitement that obviously drives the individuals engaged in this research.

Primarily focused on early plantation life in South Carolina, the book provides some fascinating comparisons between the rice culture there and the tobacco culture in Virginia explaining the effect of these differing lifestyles and then integrating the physical evidence into that discussion.

The book contains extensive appendices that list the major findings by location. ... Read more

Product Description
A popular introduction to archaeology and the methods archaeologists use to reconstruct the history of ancient Israel. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very informative
I am training to be a docent at a cultural center and museum that features an archeological dig among the various exhibitions.This book is proving to be most informative and useful in preparing me to be knowledgable and prepared.

Changing Over Time
It is asserted often that the results of archaeology are empirical, can be assured, or can be verified. After one reads John Currid's "basic guide," one can see why many past conclusions are no longer accepted and why there is a great debate among archaeologists today about what archaeology has proven. Archaeology is a discipline which continues to learn.

Currid tells the story of how archaeology of the land of the Bible began in 1838 when Edward Robinson and Eli Smith traveled the Middle East and identified many biblical sites based upon their modern names. In 1890 William Flinders Petrie began the development of stratio-graphy and its inherent notion that each occupational layer of a mound could be dated by its pottery. After WW II Kathleen Kenyon revolutionized archaeology by digging in small squares within a grid.

So, of course as methods change, conclusions change.

Currid has written a book for someone who has little prior knowledge of archaeology. One thing that is missing is a chapter on Ground Penetrating Radar. It is interesting to read, but as the subtitle says, it is a basic guide.

An informed & concise introduction...
This is a great little book (128 p.) that aims to instruct neophyte archaeologists in the history and core concepts of biblical archaeology. Given the length of the book, it's obvious that nothing is covered exhaustively. But that's not the aim of the book. Currid answers "what is Biblical archaeology?", then follows with a brief history of the field outlining the different techniques and approaches over the past 2 centuries. He then discusses, in individual chapters, the importance and structure of tells (mounds = habitation), land surveying, site identification, the process of excavation, data collection methods, data interpretation, the importance of pottery in archaeology, the philosophy of pottery chronology, the importance of small finds (anything non-pottery), and finally buildings and structures. He keenly closes the book by applying and integrating the concepts discussed in the previous chapters to the archaeology currently being undertaken at Bethsaida. This final chapter is extremely interesting as he shows the importance of each element in acquiring and interpreting data. A helpful B&W map is found early in the book, on which I was able to find all but 1 or 2 of the many sites he mentions. Closeby the map page is a small table showing the breakdown of the various ages (Bronze, Iron, etc.) and their respective date ranges. Several picures are included that assist in understanding vital concepts. Archaeological terms discussed in the text are defined further in inset boxes on the same page. The book is very well done, and perfect for those interested in biblical archaeology (which everyone should be), but uneducated in the basics of the field. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Annual Editions is a series of over 65 volumes, each designed to provide convenient, inexpensive access to a wide range of current articles from some of the most respected magazines, newspapers, and journals published today. Annual Editions are updated on a regular basis through a continuous monitoring of over 300 periodical sources. The articles selected are authored by prominent scholars, researchers, and commentators writing for a general audience. The Annual Editions volumes have a number of common organizational features designed to make them particularly useful in the classroom: a general introduction; an annotated table of contents; a topic guide; an annotated listing of selected World Wide Web sites; and a brief overview for each section. Each volume also offers an online Instructor's Resource Guide with testing materials. Using Annual Editions in the Classroom is the general instructor's guide for our popular Annual Editions series and is available in print (0073301906) or online.Visit www.mhcls.com for more details. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

Research on truth about Custer
A quote from Terry C. Johnston sheds light on Custer's defeat. "For too long people have believed that Custer's defeat at the Battle of the Little Big Horn existed in its own vacuum. They have been shortsighted, if not outright wrong. The Souix War started when Sherman, Sheridan and Crook talked President Grant into reversing his policies, breaking the law and initiatinghostilities against the free-roamers. The bloody cycle of events they put in motion would last well beyond the white man's calendar of 1876." The battle on the Powder River and the battle of the Rosebud led to events which influenced the 3 prong approach planned for the Big Horn campaign. Custer didn't wait, as he was ordered to do, for the other 2 armies to join his 7th Cavalry in the attack on the Indians. His constant need for glory resulted in the massacre.

I could be wrong, but didn't Custer receive a dishonorable discharge during the Civil War and his reappointment to duty resulted in his being sent to the western frontier?Custer loved glory, hated Indians and his arrogance resulted in the death of many on both sides. I am glad to see history challenged and rewritted based on good and exhaustive research.

A clearer picture of the bloody Indian wars is revealed by reading recent, well researched books. I am ordering this book and expect it to confirm beliefs i have of that sad period in our history.

Little Big Horn
This is the best analysis of the Little Big Horn Battle that I have read.It takes away most of the "hear say" evidence which has been passed along by historians as fact.I would highly recommend this book to any serious history student.I have purchased several copies for the historians in my family because I wouldn't dare part with my own personal copy.

Mistakes
I do admire the work and dedication he put into this book and work but some of the Indian testimony he gives for the purpose of backing his claim of no last stand is suspect. For every Indian testimony he gives that say there was no last stand and the fight was short I can find and give at least3 different Indian testimony that says that their was a last stand and the men gave their lives dearly. New evidence points to somewhere around 250 warriors losing their lives which is a very close to a one for one ratio which would mean some intense fighting. He also talks about not many shells or casings around last stand hill but he fails to mention up into at least the late 1960's people were free to pick up souveniers on the site (Bullets and shell casings) and many people did. I have read one historian account on one afternoon in the early 1960's a couple of friends picked up over a hundred ( I dont remember the exact number but I saying a hundred because I know the number was actually higher) because he has tried buying some from these guys for a long time. He also fails to mention they have also put a park road in and they also put some kind of water tank in and had to dig up the ground to put that in. Keeping inmind of tourists being able to pick up shells for so long where do you think they are going to go to do this. Of course last stand Hill. Mr Fox's conclusions of not finding many shell or shell casings there have to be taken in context. I just find it very disappointing he never mentions any of this. When this first came out he received awards from the battlefield. Now though after some historians have came out with other books such as James Donavaon, Skelnar,Michino and have called his findings into questions and have given much better evidence to dispute foxes claims and pointing out a lot more Indian testimony doesnt jive with Foxes conclusions the Battlefied is kind of distancing themselves from Foxes work especially about Last Stand Hill and what happened there.

Great work
I had no real interest in Custer and the Battle until recently traveling to the Battle site. After that I was hooked ! I had to understand what really happened there! I ordered three books on the subject and found this one to be the most logical, well researched and complete description of the event.I have no backgroung in archeology but as a soldier with combat experience. I understand what the author describes as stability/desinigration in combat and how it effects the outcome! This is not an easy read! As others have said the maps and diagrams could be better. However I tend to believe the author stayed with the facts and has given us the most factual account of what really took place at the Little Big Horn.

A Disappointing tome
This book is a perfect case of prejudging history and 'bending' facts to fit said prejudgment.The entire concept of doing archeological analysis on a looted site and using said analysis to draw serious conclusions about a 133 year old battle is questionable at best, dishonest at worst.The selective interpretations of the indian accounts is also a grave error in this book.I found this book useful as an example of how 'not' to treat the battle of the little bighorn.If a Custer supporter had attemnpted this kind of nonsense, he would have been pilloried. ... Read more