Product Description
What are the political uses--and misuses--of archaeology in the Middle East? In answering this question, the contributors to this volume lend their regional expertise to a variety of case studies, including the Taliban's destruction of Buddhas in Afghanistan, the commercialization of archaeology in Israel, the training of Egyptian archaeology inspectors, and the debate over Turkish identity sparked by the film Troy, among other provocative subjects. Other chapters question the ethical justifications of archaeology in places that have "alternative engagements with the material past." In the process, they form various views of the role of the archaeologist, from steward of the historical record to agent of social change.

The diverse contributions to this volume share a common framework in which the political use of the past is viewed as a process of social discourse. According to this model, political appropriations are seen as acts of social communication designed to accrue benefits to particular groups. Thus the contributors pay special attention to competing social visions and the filters these impose on archaeological data. But they are also attentive to the potential consequences of their own work. Indeed, as the editors remind us, "people's lives may be affected, sometimes dramatically, because of the material remains that surround them."

Rounding out this important volume are critiques by two top scholars who summarize and synthesize the preceding chapters. ... Read more

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Committed to the scientific investigation of human antiquity, this indispensable supplementary text uses interesting archaeological hoaxes, myths, and mysteries to show how we can truly know things about the past through science. Examples of fantastic findings support the carefully, logically, and entertainingly described flaws in the purported evidence. By placing wildly inaccurate claims within the context of the scientific method, Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries demonstrates how science approaches fascinating questions about human antiquity and, in so doing, shows where pseudoscience falls short. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Best. Book. Ever.
This is seriously one of the greatest books I have ever read. It is rare for a non-fiction book to be a page-turner, but Dr. Feder's knowledge and passion for the subject make it unfailingly interesting. And as a skeptic and fan of science and reality, this book made me realize that I really don't think enough about anthropology and archaeology. Highly recommended.

I would read this book even if it wasnt a requirment for class
This book not only came in Excellent condition but the way it reads is awesome. The author places real facts into "lay mens terms" for those who would normally find Archeology boring (not like myself but others out there) It really gives Archeology a chance to stop people form falling asleep while reading it. I bring it to work with me so in my spare time i can read another one of this fantastic stories- I never heard any of these stories in ANY of my other classes- This book is awesome. I love how FINALLY in class i am not learnign the SAME information over again- this books adds to the already vast information ive learned instead of repeating it

A great buy
After listening to an interview with Kenneth Feder on an episode of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe, I bought this as a gift for my brother who recently graduated with a degree in archeology.He enjoyed it immensely and lent it to me afterward.Even though it's not my area of study, I had no difficulty following it and found it as immensely fascinating as its author.I would highly recommend this book for either the expert in the field or curious lay person.

Cooler Stone Heads
Watching the "fringe" can be entertaining (though best from a safe position out of the line of fire).Many of our accepted tenets in science started on the fringe.A couple of the presently most accepted are still pretty fringy.

Kenneth L. Feder, a Professor at Central Connecticut State University, in his "Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology" looks at the various archaeological crazes of the past and present, both scientific and popular.Rather than merely stating some report is impossible because he says so (a very bad habit of some in science), Prof. Feder shows the numbers on which he bases his opinions and gives the references so the reader can look it up himself.

In a number of sections Prof. Feder attacks the "our ancestors were too stupid to have built that" thinking that underlies so much in the New Age section of most bookstores.This sort of thought suggests that because we use powered equipment for large scale construction, it would have been impossible for our ancestors to do the job without.Actually, I suspect they were just as bright as people now (looking at some of the stuff that blows by on the breeze from the liberal arts and social sciences departments, maybe a little brighter).An illustration of this, for me, was the recovery of a fighter aircraft from a swamp during the Pacific War.Having no heavy equipment to lift the plane, a bunch of Marines with bamboo poles did the job nicely.

Prof. Feder takes on the "everybody and his dog got to America before Columbus" silliness.He has a very good section on the Norse in America (I still say St. Brendan got here first -- he had a Bavarian navigator) and explains the Chinese anchor stones found off the California coast.He also points out the American Indians were most likely the moundbuilders and didn't need the help of Pre-Columbian Europeans (a particular sore point for me).

Throughout the book, hoaxes are dislayed and explained.The last section goes into some of the real life mysteries we haven't figured out (though the bread landing butter-side down wasn't addressed).

Definitely a good book and an aid to critical thinking.

Ancient Astronauts, myths,mysteries
FROM THE BACK COVER:
Ancient astronuats?, Atlantis?, Psychic archaeology?, Pharaoh's curses?.
Committed to the scientific investigation of human antiquity, Ken Feder uses interesting archaeological hoaxes, myths and mysteries to show how we can truly know things about the past through science. He presents examples of fantastic findings and carefully, logically and entertaining describes the flawes in the purported evidence for each fantastic claim. The book covers everthing from story of the archaeological fraud of the Cardiff Giant, to a detailed discussion of Ryan and Pitman's hypothesis that the bibical flood story was inspired by a catastrophic, post Pleistocene infilling of the Black Sea, tio the claim made in a recent popular book that the Chinese discovered and settle the New World some seventy years before Columbus. Through such well-chosen examples,archaeology professor Feder demonstrates what is- and is not- scientific method. In the process, he clearly conveys why the veritable past is as exciting and intriguing as are the fantasies concocted by the purveyors of pseudoscience. ... 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
Extensively illustrated and clearly written, this book examines the major categories of Greek architecture, sculpture, vasepainting, wallpainting, and metalwork in a historical, social, and archaeological context. It blends factual information with stimulating interpretation and juxtaposes long-standing notions with the latest archaeological discoveries and hypotheses. Focusing on form, function, and history of style, the book explores art and artifacts chronologically from the Early Bronze through the Hellenistic eras (ca. 3000 to ca. 30 BC)–and by medium. For individuals who appreciate–and want to better understand–the art and history of Greece.Amazon.com Review
This revised edition of John Griffiths Pedley's 1993 surveycovers 3,000 years of Greek history with nearly 400 illustrations andan authoritative text that centers on material culture, especiallypottery, statuary, and architecture. Greek Art and Archaeologyincorporates recent scholarship on matters such as influences from theNear East and the spread of Greek ideas to other parts of theMediterranean. Of special interest is Pedley's building-by-buildinghistory of the Parthenon, including a useful survey of its metopes andfriezes. He also offers well-considered stylistic notes on familiarobjects, such as the Laocoön group and the Nike of Samothrace. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Book (Students and Faculty)
This book is ideal for those looking for a beginning interest in ancient Greek Art and Archaeology. With detailed pictures and informative content, the book is a great substitute to a museum, lecture, or video special.

Fabulous
I am so happy i got this book from amazon. It shipped fast and came in perfect condition. Best of all i got it for $75, instead of $130 if i bought it from my school.

Awesome
Great if you like archaeology, get the hardcover version too, its worth it, wont die over time!

Ancient Art made easy...
This was a required text for an art history course I took in college, and, being an art history major, I found this to be an easy read.It made the material easy to understand, and the color and black-white photographs were excellent.Pedley covers the entire spectrum of Greek art admirably, makes connections to primary sources, and outlines the various styles so that even a student NOT interested in the subject comes away with something.Anyone needing a reference on Ancient Greek Art or wanting to learn about the subject will find his book to be invaluable! ... Read more

Product Description
Out of print for almost a decadewe are thrilled to bring back one of our most requested hard-to-find titles—philosopher and cultural theorist Paul Virilio's Bunker Archeology. In 1994 we published the first English-language translation of the classic French edition of 1975which accompanied an exhibition of Virilio's photographs at the Centre Pompidou. In Bunker Archeologyurbanist Paul Virilio turns his attention—and camera—to the ominous yet strangely compelling German bunkers that lie abandoned along the coast of France. These ghostly reminders of destruction and oppression prompted Virilio to consider the nature of war and existencein relation to both World War II and contemporary times. Virilio discusses fortresses and military space in general as well as the bunkers themselvesincluding an examination of the role of Albert SpeerHitler's architectin the rise of the Third Reich. ... Read more

Product Description
Sited at the furthest limits of the Neolithic revolution and standing at the confluence of the two great sea routes of prehistory, Britain and Ireland are distinct from continental Europe for much of the prehistoric sequence. In this landmark study - the first significant survey of the archaeology of Britain and Ireland for twenty years - Richard Bradley offers a new interpretation of the unique archaeological record of these islands based on a wealth of current and largely unpublished data.Bradley surveys the entire archaeological sequence over a 4,000 year period, from the adoption of agriculture in the Neolithic period to the discovery of Britain and Ireland by travellers from the Mediterranean during the later pre-Roman Iron Age. Significantly, this is the first modern account to treat Britain and Ireland on equal terms, offering a detailed interpretation of the prehistory of both islands. ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... 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
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
This survey of archaeological discoveries in Bible lands includes testimonies and interviews from leading archaeologists and exciting pictures featuring the latest finds made in the lands of the Bible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Great Book
I am taking my time and enjoy reading through the pages of this book. I have been sharing its information with friends. This book encourages my faith walk with Jesus. Good book to read as an aid in studying the Bible.

Excavations Often Confirm (Never Contradict) Bible as History....
"The Stones Cry Out" by Randall Price (paperback, 1997) has some problems which I will discuss first, and then I will mention some of its good points.

Problem #1: The first few pages, and last several pages, are falling out.The binding is evidently not of the best quality.

Problem #2: The oldest/earliest/bottom-most layer of ancient Israelite and Near Eastern cities dates back to only 2300 BC (diagram, p. 45).Yet the author assigns dates earlier than this, such as 2500 BC (for Noah and the flood), and 4134 BC (for Adam and Eve).Hence, in doing this, he goes BEYOND the archeological evidence, andindulges in speculation.(I conclude that the earliest date he assigns which IS based solidly on the archeological evidence is c. 2135 BC [for Abraham's birth]["Chronology of Historical Figures," p. 354].)

(In fact, as I have come to understand it, Abraham is the earliest/first actual/real/historical person in the Bible; everything before him is PRE-history.So yes, God made the heavens and the earth, but not necessarily in seven literal days.And yes, there was a great flood [at the end of the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago, according to geologists], but again, the author of Genesis uses "poetic license" to fill in the details.)

Incidentally, I was interested to learn that other ancient cultures (besides the Hebrew culture, with its Bible) had stories of Creation from a watery chaos, out of which separated the heavens and the earth;of the gods creating the first humans from clay of the ground;and of the chief (creator) god later sending a flood to destroy all humanity, but warning one man who builds a boat and so survives (Babylonian and Assyrian epics; pp. 60-64).

Problem #3 with this book: incomplete information.For example, the author states, "We can provide a computer model of a scientific mechanism for the parting of the Red Sea" (p. 134), but no such mechanism is described.Was it simply "a strong east wind all night" (Genesis 14.21)?We are given not even the slightest hint.

Another example of insufficient information is where the author says that satellite imagery analysts, using infrared light, can see ancient caravan routes through the desert by the "heat patterns left in the earth" (p. 136).What exactly the "heat patterns" are is not explained.Did the caravans pack the ground, so that it now holds more heat along the ancient routes?Again, I am left to my own guessing...

While I think Randall Price is a highly competent archeologist, I also think that he needs a good professional writer as co-author of this book, to fill in the gaps and supply more information wherever needed.

Now I turn to the good parts of the book.It was an eye-opener for me to read that an ancient city has been excavated which could be the Sodom mentioned in the Bible.A layer of ashes several feet thick covers the city, evidence of a massive destroying fire.

Subsequent erosion has destroyed any remains of buildings in the city itself, but its nearby cemetary contains ruins of "burial houses," which show evidence that the fire started on the roofs, which then caved in, spreading the flames to inside the buildings.

A possible natural explanation is that an earthquake (common in this region, which lies above a fault line [p. 110]) forced deposits of sulfur, asphalt, petroleum, and natural gas (also common in this area [p. 118]) to the surface.It would then have taken only a lightening bolt to ignite a catastrophic firestorm which "rained on Sodom...brimstone [stones of burning sulfur] and fire...out of heaven" (Genesis 19:24).

(Of course, knowing a probable natural cause....in no way excludes simultaneous supernatural intervention also.)

Another find that impressed me was the 1990 discovery of a limestone burial box ("ossuary") near Jerusalem, with beautiful flower-designs engraved on the front (photograph p. 306), indicating a person of high rank.On the side of this stone coffin was inscribed the name "Caiaphas," and the bones of the 60-year-old man found inside the container are indeed thought to be those of the very same high priest who asked Pilate to condemn Jesus to death.

And speaking of Pilate, in 1961 a 2 x 3 ft. stone plaque was unearthed, inscribed in Latin, "Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea" (p. 307), the first archeological evidence for the man who sentenced Jesus to execution by crucifixion.

And if anyone should doubt the reality of crucifixion as described in the gospels, a seven-inch-long nail going through a man's ankle bone, and lodged in a knothole of a piece of wood from an olivewood cross, was found in an ossuary near Jerusalem, originating from about the time of Jesus (p. 309).

In summary, overall I liked this book and recommend it.In spite of its imperfections, I found it to be one of the more fascinating books I have read in recent years.

good read
I read this book quite a while ago and remember that it was a good read. One impression I had was that the writer doesn't point out the obvious:Prior to the time of the Kings, there is a virtual dirth of evidence for anything.For example, in the chapter on the Exodus, after sifting through all of the dialogue, you come to realize that millions of pre-Israelites spent forty years in the desert and there is not a potsherd of evidence.At the end of the chapter, the author all but admits this. I realize that absence of evidence is not usually evidence of absence, but when you should expect to find evidence and you don't, well... To add some balance to what I've just said, this book was written in 1997 and I think that more evidence has emerged since then.

The chapter on Sodom was interesting, but full of speculation.

Read this book and enjoy it, but be sure to read what isn't said.

More evidence that the Bible is true, all true!
Who says the Bible is myth? And who says archaeology is boring? This is a captivating book, one that has turned my travel fantasies from Germany and Austria to the Holy Land.

Definitely worth a read for everyone interested in archeology
This book has so many strong points:

First of all, the author's uncompromising integrity gives his information tremendous plausibility. He rejects popular theories that lack true evidence, even if those theories would support his own beliefs. He's very honest about the limits of archeology, whether you are a biblical skeptic or a believer. He also admits that, due to ongoing discoveries, any book on archeology is outdated before it goes to print. Such humility is a refreshing change from how many archeologists, both minimalists (biblical scholars who minimize the authority of biblical text as a reliable source of historical and factual information about the past)and maximalists (biblical scholars who give maximum authority to the Bible as a source of, etc.), present their finds. Regardless, the finds that have stood the test are presented here in fascinating detail, both photographic and literary.

Price also emphasizes archeology's limits (mostly due to financial constraints). For example, Price writes that only 10% of discovered cuneiform tablets have been published. So yes, 50,000 tablets is a lot, but remember that means that there are 450,000 tablets that haven't been published. There is a lot of information like this in the book.

The discoveries and their conclusions are fascinating. I particularly liked the chapter discussing Sodom, its possible location, and the evidence discovered there showing that the houses had burned from the rooftops and downward.

Great photos throughout the book, and good organization, including a glossary.

Price maintains an admirably respectful tone when writing about minimalist archeologists, even though their beliefs and archeological philosophies must totally contradict his.

Price is obviously and enthusiastically Christian, but he doesn't in any way force his religious views on the reader, nor does he put down other religions. I'm Jewish, so I think I would've picked up on any slights (to my own religion, at least).

The style and tone of his writing is enjoyable. He has a sense of fun and wonder about his work that really comes through. It could be a dry subject, but Price gives it life.

Just a FYI: Here in Israel, a minimalist archeologist repeatedly insists that archeological evidence shows that camels were absolutely not domesticated in the time of Abraham. When a maximalist archeologist showed him clear and numerous evidence that camels WERE domesticated then, and that the Bible wasn't lying, the minimalist said he didn't care, and continues to this day to restate his original (and proven false) claims. Minimalists are obviously no more objective than maximalists, which is why I think it's very important to read books by straight-shooting archeologists (regardless of their religious views)like Randall Price in order to get the whole story.

It goes without saying: I loved this book!
... Read more

Product Description
More than 12,000 years ago, American Indians discovered the lands we now call Ohio. By the time Europeans arrived in this continent, Ohio's indigenous peoples had become successful farmers living in large, circular villages along broad river valleys.

Ohio's rich archaeological heritage has captivated generations of scholars and scientists. Yet, archaeologists over the past few decades have made new discoveries that are revolutionizing out understanding of these American Indian cultures and their achievements.

Ohio Archaeology chronicles these landmark discoveries in a book written by Dr. Bradley T. Lepper, Curator of Archaeology of the Ohio Historical Society. Dr. Lepper presents this fascinating story in six, chronological chapters based on the major archaeological periods. With top regional scholars contributing 28 feature articles, Ohio Archaeology also looks at the state's early archaeological history.

Written in an engaging and understandable style, this epochal story is beautifully illustrated with over 340 photographs, original artworks, maps, timelines and graphics.

Ohio Archaeology is a valuable resource for readers, teachers and students who want to learn more about the lifeways and legacies of the first Ohioans.

The Ohio Archaeology book is one of four components to the Ohio Archaeology project, a collaborative initiative led by Voyageur Media Group, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation of public media about science, history and culture. The Ohio Archaeology project includes the development of this companion book, the "Ancient Ohio" art series and a companion website for the delivery of educational materials. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Award winner
The Sociey for American Archaeology chose this book for its Public Audience Book Award. It is a fine choice.

This beautiful book has many things to recommend it: the importance of the subject, the beauty of the artwork and the photography, the quality of the contributors and the masterful presentation by its author, Dr. Bradley T. Lepper.

Ohio is loaded with treasure for archaeologists. Not one but four ancient Ohio sites are likely to receive World Heritage status from UNESCO in the next few years. These include Fort Ancient, the Newark Earthworks, the Serpent Mound and the earthworks at the HopewellCulture National Historical Park in Chillicothe. Just this winter the U.S.Department of the Interior has released a list of fourteen sites it will present to UNESCO for consideration - including all of these. And of course Ohio has even more amazing ancient places and stories to offer.

Such treasures call for stunning images, and there are many here.There are also fascinating contributions by more than twentyof the world's authorities on ancient Ohio. It is hard to imagine a better team to teach this subject. But this is more than a coffee-table book andis not an anthology of independent articles.Bradley Lepper leads us through the story from the ice age to the era of early contact between American Indians and Europeans. He writes wonderfully and is the master of both science and story telling.

Understanding Ohio's Earthworks
Ohio Archeology is a must read, with beatiful photos and illustrations, for those wishing to learn the most up-to-date information on the Native Americans of the Woodland Period.Learn how archeologists decipher the mysteries surrounding the amazing earthen monuments of these early Ohioans.

Beautiful and informative
Ohio Archaeology is a splendid overview of Ohio's native American cultures and sites.Beautifully illustrated and photographed (including photo's of assembled artifacts) it deserves a place in any collection of materials on the subject.

One of the best acquisitions I've made this year.

FANTASTIC Book
As a long time citizen of Ohio and long time fan of Archaeology, I should have had a much higher awareness of just how much incredible history there is to be had right here in my home state.While I always had a vague notion that people have lived here in Ohio for thousands of years before the first European settlers arrived ... I never encountered any material that seemed to do a very good job of shedding light on this period of the state's history.Well, Mr. Lepper's book does a FANTASTIC job of bringing this part of our state's history the attention it deserves.Great text, diagrams and photos.

Beautiful book
Dr. Lepper has written the book I have been waiting for.As a new resident of Ohio, I have been working to understand my new home better, and this book answers many of the questions I have about the earliest residents of this area.I am still reading it so cannot comment on its entirety but it features gorgeous color photographs, helpful maps, and a text accessible to the lay (as in non-professional archaeologist) reader. This book may also answer one of the questions I brought with me from my former home in New Mexico:Where are the builders of the mounds now, and why have so few of their works been preserved?Reading lists and references will help me extend my understanding. ... Read more

Product Description
Fishes is a practical introduction to the study of fish remains from archaeological sites, designed for archaeologists and archaezoologists working in the field and in the laboratory. It provides clear guidelines for the identification of remains and how to interpret them. The identification and analysis of fish remains unearthed in archaeological excavations are invaluable factors in the reconstruction of climate, economic strategy, diet and trade. In this manual the authors discuss the importance of fishes in past economies and in archaeological research. They describe methods of extraction, fish anatomy and classification with the aid of numerous line drawings. The book also includes a survey of fishes most likely to be represented in archaeological sites and describes the biology of fishes in order to help archaeozoologists make informed judgements about methods of exploitation, size of fish caught and meat yield. This study is unique in making a realistic assessment of both the potential and limitations of the use of fish remains in archaeological interpretation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Terrific for kids
My daughters, ages 1 1/2 and 3 1/2, adore this book! They love to look at the fish pictures, identify the fish and have me read them all the cool fishy facts. We want all the books in the series now. How many other pre-schoolers pretend to be Mudskippers or can talk about the egg-holding habits of the male Tilapia? ... Read more

Product Description
Written expressly for amateur archaeologists and archaeological volunteers to help them discover how they can become part of this increasingly popular field. Covers subjects ranging from excavation techniques, tools, site locations, archaeological methods, archaeology and the law to conducting your own dig. Besides providing extensive data on gaining experience as volunteers of professionally organized digs, it offers an extensive resource section that includes archaeology organizations, field schools and sites, archaeological musems and a bibliography of reading matter which deals with archaeology. A large variety of line-drawings and photographs also assist the would-be archaeologist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Helpful Book For The Budding Archaeologist
Having worked as a contract archaeologist years ago, I bought this book last summer to refresh my memory on archaeological procedures and techniques for a summer enrichment class that I was teaching.It was extremely helpful and I would recommend it for those who are thinking of taking an archaeology class.Archaeology is one of those professions that has pershible skills.

Great Book
This is a very good basic book. It explains almost all of the aspects of archeology. It is very good in explaining things. The book is very complete. Great for the starting archeologist.

Great Book
The book is a wonderful resource for the beginer archaeologist. Itexplains all the terms, tools, and tricks of the trade. It also has awonderful list of places you can go to dig and companies that will helpplace you.The only issue I have with it is that it is 9 years old...anewer, updated book would be great because the listings of digs would beupdated. Nice photos and diagrams...written with a sense of humor ... Read more

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
It is from the discards of former civilizations that archaeologists have reconstructed most of what we know about the past, and it is through their examination of today's garbage that Rathje and Murphy inform us of our present.Rubbish! is their witty and erudite investigation into all aspects of the phenomenon of garbage. They show what the study of garbage tells us about a population's demographics and buying habits. Along the way, they dispel the common myths about our "garbage crisis"--about fast-food packaging and disposable diapers, about biodegradable garbage and the acceleration of the average family's garbage output.They alsosuggest methods for dealing with garbage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Bravo!
The book was in excellent condition and was delivered promptly. Thank you for the great book!

Enlightening.Needs an updated edition
This book is great for exploding the myths about garbage that people carry around.It is especially good at proving wrong the idea that the United States is a particularly wasteful society.

For instance, this book shows that disposable diapers are not a big problem in landfills -- they make up less than 2% of landfill garbage.The human waste in diapers should not even be of concern -- landfills accept sewer sludge and septic waste -- in other words: loose, uncontained liquid waste.Landfills are good for disposing of that stuff.

Another example: Nothing you throw away in a trash can is going to biodegrade.Landfills are dry places on purpose, and biodegradation is a wet process.If you want something to biodegrade, start composting it.

Last one: Recycling happens when recycling makes a profit.There are markets in everything, and recycling is by no means a new thing.Recycling is expensive and often produces toxic byproducts, so keep it all in mind.Also -- newspapers and construction debris are the big culprit in landfills.But there are no good-paying markets for recycling those items, so they sit.

Mostly, this book is great or showing how often IDEALISM equals IGNORANCE.Good iintentions don't yield good results.

Excellent Resource
I've owned this book for many years, but I had lent it out to a friend and it was lost to me. While conducting research for a recycling project in the Chicago condominium building I live in, I remembered many of its core concepts and decided to buy it again. Although it was originally written in the 1990's, there is a new introduction which updates the reader on what has changed. Sadly not much has changed and we all throw away far too much trash. This is however an excellent resource to become educated on what gets thrown away, common fallacies about what happens at a landfill (not much degrading happening) and a treatise on measuring actual waste on a day-to-day level. I highly recommend this book.

No Rubbish!
Rathje's and Murphy's RUBBISH! is insightful and engaging.Their anecdotes about the ironies of environmental movements rallying behind particular causes (like McDonald's styrofoam clam shells), and their analyses of popular misconceptions about waste provide, great food for thought for policy makers and for environmentally-minded individuals concerned about the problems with waste and its disposal.Along the way, the authors demonstrate the utility of archaeological knowledge for dealing with current social challenges.This book is a really great read!

A Classic
Great book. Rathje is a engaging figure that delivers a good story - the story of our garbage.

Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
From ax heads to entire towns, learn about the excavation and examination of the debris left by centuries of daily human life. Readers will uncover the history and techniques of this important science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Informative Book!
Despite some typos, there is some really good information in the book.I like the way it covers the world and leads up to a more modern era.Archeology has had an important effect on the world and its knowledge about the past.

A nice introductory book for young readers
This is the sort of book that excites students and encourages them to dig deeper, great for engaging classroom discussions about civilizations of the past.The photo layout is excellent and the graphics, maps and models are wonderfully informative.The easy-to-read text is adequate for general overviews but has not been carefully edited - some glaring typos (like the "3000 A.D." Mesopotamia on page 11) make me doubt the accuracy of the reporting. That said, this reasonably-priced book is still an excellent choice for elementary and middle school libraries, and casual and beginning researchers will find this book scintillating and inspiring. ... Read more

Product Description
This pathbreaking book brings gender issues to archaeology for the first time, in an explicit and theoretically informed way. In it, leading archaeologists from around the world contribute original analyses of prehistoric data to discover how gender systems operated in the past. ... Read more

Product Description
An updated and expanded edition of a classic of modern archaeology gathers information about the daily life of the American colonists, including women and blacks, based on the analysis of domestic objects and architecture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good scholarship, easy reading
One of the earlier entries into the field of material culture and above-ground archeology, this is a winner

Little things mean a lot
I enjoyed Deetz' newly updated introduction to Historical Archaeology in America. He makes clear that much can be gleaned from the seemingly insignificant material things that are left behind in the process of living. I greatly enjoyed his putting the pieces of the puzzles together. Sometimes the result was an interesting surprise. For instance, I didn't know that porches, which became so popular in America, were not a feature of European houses and were introduced by Africans. "Shotgun houses" also have African roots.Another surprising story is told by the changing styles of Colonial gravestones.They change subtly as the religious climate changes. The oldest being very stiff and stern and later ones becoming more decorative, replacing deaths heads with angels.

Non Fiction
This text looks at the recovery of everyday items from the past in the United States of America.Things like plates, cup, bowls, what stuff was thrown in the rubbish bun, all that sort of thing, as opposed to recovering things that are of highly significant historical, political or scientific importance.So, trying to piece together personal life.

Remember Small Things
The main thrust of Deetz's argument in this book points to the incomplete nature of the traditional historian's approach to understanding past societies.By focusing only on written documentation, traditional historians necessarily confine the groups they can examine to literate societies, thereby excluding most people in the history of human existence.Furthermore, written documents contain the bias of the author, and so cannot always be trusted.

Deetz argues that historical archaeology and the study of material culture opens the door to understanding a far wider band of human societies, and can further help us relate to the literate cultures we study, by providing corroborating evidence, in some cases, and filling in the gaps overlooked in traditional written documents in other cases.

This work focuses mainly on early New England societies, but the research methods Deetz puts forth readily adapt to studies in other areas.The fact that this book still stands as required reading on university course lists 25 years after its first publication testifies to its usefulness...

copied directly from Scientific American Nov. 96
History is pretty much junk, one might conclude after finishing this breezy introduction to historical archaeology. Poring over estate listings, pottery shards, gravestones and excavated foundations, James Deetz reconstructs the changing face of American life during the colonial era, as immigrant traditions and aesthetics adapted to the New World. The book makes a powerful argument for an empirical kind of history far removed from the anonymous assertions of high school textbooks ... Read more