Product Description
Digging Through the Bible shares new information about the Holy Land that can provide a powerful connection between past history and present faith.Join celebrated archaeologist and rabbi Richard Freund as he takes readers through digs he has led, searching for evidence about key biblical characters and events.From Moses and the Israelite Exodus to Mary the mother of Jesus, Freund explores some of the greatest Biblical controversies of our day, as well as smaller stories that can give us a deeper understanding of the background behind the Bible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Biblical Archaeology without prejudice

I began reading Digging Through the Bible from a copy I found in the library, but felt I'd be referring to it often enough that I should have one of my own. Freund combines archaeological finds, Biblical references and the ongoing debate between Biblical "minimalists" and "maximalists throughout his book and intersperses his chapters with personal experiences on excavations, literary references, cultural history, word analysis, rabbinical interpretations and more in a thoroughly readable way. I am very impressed with the richness of his knowledge and his well-rounded, inclusive approach.

Disturbing elements detract from book's value
Although this book is entitled "Digging through the Bible" and the subheading is "Understanding Biblical People, Places, and Controversies Through Archaeology" you will find very little archaeology in the book apart from the first chapter which is entitled "A Crash Course in Biblical Archaeology." Instead, much of the book relies on various forms textual analysis, which in and of itself is not a bad thing, but hardly qualifies as archaeology.

There is a very disturbing anecdote in Chapter 3 (Searching for Jesus) in which the author presents Pope John Paul II with a copy of an iron door key dated from the first century and found in Bethsaida. The Pope makes the leap and says "the key of Peter" (John 1:44 says that Peter's hometown was Bethsaida) to which the author responds affirmatively. Of course it's not the key of Peter and the author knows this well. But by acknowledging the artifact as "the key of Peter" the author has put the stamp of authenticity on what will forever be known as "the key of Peter" and used by future generations to prove that Peter existed - after all, if we have the key to his house, he must have existed! (The plain fact is that there is even less historical evidence for Peter than for Jesus). When you read a passage like this, can you really trust anything this author says? Well, I continued to read the book, but...

More disturbing news comes when the author reveals that he was unaware of the controversy concerning the existence of Nazareth in the early first century. Moreover, he doesn't appear to be aware that many people believe the proper translation is "Jesus the Nazarene" and not "Jesus of Nazareth." Without opening up either of these controversies, Freund's apparent lack of knowledge in this area is very telling.

Having dwelt on some disturbing aspects of the book, I can say that it is well written, discusses a breadth of issues in an intelligent and reasonable manner, and does offer some interesting perspectives. Moreover, Freund has chosen to focus on a small number of topics (e.g., Jesus, Mary, the Teacher of Righteousness, Bar Kokhba, King David) which he discusses in detail.

In summary, the book is not without merit, but there are some disturbing elements.

Riddled with inaccuracies...but interesting topics
This 2009 book is unfortunately named and marketed, because it is not really about archaeology at all. It is more about textual analysis, critical Biblical scholarship, andthe Documentary Hypothesis. Archaeological matters take up only about 5% of the book. Not that the book isn't interesting and a good read. The author's writing style is very approachable and even soothing, rationally explaining the issues and relevant details to true neophytes; this is definitely a "popular" work, meant for a mass audience new to Biblical debates rather than for scholars who could jump right in without missing a beat. The primary problem with this book is that it is peppered with errors. The author appears out of his element although his smooth, structured delivery would make one think otherwise. Here are just a small sampling of the errors I found in the book. These are direct quotes followed by my comments:

- "The Bible makes clear that Moses saw an old temple on top of the mountain, which he later used as a model." (p. 96). He did? I have been reading the Torah in Hebrew for quite a long time and I have degrees in Biblical Studies and Jewish Studies, yet I am unfamiliar with this notion. Maybe the Biblical text does suggest such a thing(?) but I am completely unaware of it. This is a perfect example of where a citation or Biblical reference would have been appropriate and welcome.

- "[Josephus] Flavius places the Exodus in the Hellenistic period, some three hundred years earlier." (p. 97) Um, no. Josephus is far too exacting in his scholarship to suggest that the Exodus took place in the Hellenistic, post-Alexandrian world just a couple hundred years earlier(?!). I wish the author of this book had half of Josephus' scholarly rigor...

- "Egyptian records indicate that in approximately the last quarter of the tenth century, the Pharaoh Sheshonk came to Jerusalem and despoiled the Temple of Jerusalem." (p. 102) No. Egyptian records indicate that Sheshonk came to Cana'an and attacked many towns & villages which ARE named, but Jerusalem is NOT mentioned at all, nor are any main towns in the territory of Judah. The fact that Jerusalem is not mentioned in the list at Karnak is what makes a majority of scholars think that Sheshonk/Shishak NEVER came and attacked Jerusalem & despoiled the temple as the Bible states, because any Egyptian Pharoah would have bragged about such a thing. Freund's above statement is completely false, utterly misrepresenting what the monument at Karnak says, or rather, does not say.

- "The past twenty years of excavation at our Bethsaida site.....Bethsaida is one of the largest unexcavated sites of ancient Israel..." (p. 108). These two statements contradict one another...but several such incompatible statements litter the book.

- "Bethsaida, on the other hand, was abandoned some eighteen years ago." (p. 108). I think he meant eighteen hundred years ago, possibly? This book needs a better editor and researcher.

These are just some doozies from the first third of the book. After that my hand got tired of making dubious notations, but the errors did continue. I agree with the reviewer above who said that Freund leans more toward Biblical Maximalism than Minimalism: Not only does he think the Exodus happened, he actually thinks there were likely three of them! But he does not believe that Biblical events always happened exactly as written down in the Bible -he espouses the idea that there was "telescoping and collapsing" of disparate events into one singular event, which I tend to agree with. I did enjoy the author's breadth of subject matter for he covers all aspects of the Bible and beyond: he explores aspects of Jesus/Christianity, the Talmud, Mishnah, Islam, Bar Kokhba, Jewish women in ancient history, etc.In summary, this book was an interesting read, but the author very much needs to back up any statements that he presents as facts, and hold himself back from extracting things out of primary sources that are not actually there. By NOT doing both these things, he insults the intelligence of his readers.

Dig deeper
Freund's book, while aimed at general readers, digs deeper and broader in and around Biblical archaeology.As such, it may be a disappointment to some readers because it requires more attention, has less of the Holy-Land-travelogue-with-pictures feel that books on Biblical archaeology often have, and doesn't provide simple yes/no answers to the questions surrounding the "Biblical People, Places, and Controversies" promised in the subtitle.

That said, Freund takes the attentive reader through a "crash course" on Biblical archaeology to set the stage for his examination of the big questions in the field like the timing, size, and historicity of the Exodus, the location of Mount Sinai, and the existence and importance of the historical David, Solomon, and Jesus.The crash course introduces us to the concepts of minimalism and maximalism.

Minimalists say that "'background' provided by archaeology demonstrates only that 'background' and little or nothing else can be learned form the evidence found from a period." Extreme minimalists will point to "the absence of exact information on these individuals as evidence that these individuals ever existed", an axiom that Freund states in its most simplistic as "Absence of evidence (of specific people, places, and events) is evidence of the absence (of specific people, places, and events)." (p. 325)

Maximalists, on the other hand, accept that "the background of archaeological evidence is evidence of an accurate background in the literary account.According to Maximalist logic, if the Bible is correct in its general outlines of biblical life, it should be accurate in terms of the details of the characters as well." (p. 326)

Freund describes himself as a Minimalist-Maximalist, seeking a middle ground that is justifiable by the archeological, geological, geographical, and literary evidence in each case, although I suspect if you scratched him deep enough Freund would bleed a bit maximalist.This position seems so reasonable that the general reader like myself who has no expertise in any of these areas might consider Freund's characterizations of the extremes as nonexistent straw men--except for the fact that the extremely polarizing forces of Middle Eastern geopolitics at the crossroads of the three major world religions has resulted in polemical violence between individual and groups throughout human history.

I referenced the three major world religions advisedly, as Freund goes far afield in his study, looking for some Islamic people, places, and events alongside the Biblical (Christian and Jewish) ones.This is important because of the intersects between them, but often overlooked in strictly "Biblical" archeology.Freund also widens the scope of archeology to literary and textual criticism, looking for and finding clues to the material evidence of places and people in the text.This study opens up new thoughts about the Exodus and the location of Mount Sinai that make sense of both the Biblical and non-Biblical texts and the (lack of) material evidence of the veracity of the texts; it may be, suggests Freund, because archeologists have been looking in the wrong places at the wrong times, for the wrong things.

I knocked the book down one star because of sometimes lengthy technical passages about minor characters that didn't generate much interest for me.Still, this is well worth reading, and digs deeper than a typical glossy pictures-and-"how it happened" coffee-table book.This book may stir your interest to continue learning by watching some of the several documentary films Freund has made about his years of digging through the Bible. ... 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
This book provides an introduction to one of the most fascinating and well-known centers of ancient civilization.

• Explores the rise of civilization in the Central Andes from the time of the region's earliest inhabitants to the emergence of the Inca state many thousands of years later.
  
• Comprised of 13 newly commissioned chapters written by leading archaeologists representing current thinking in the field.
  
• Presents the central debates in contemporary Inca and Andean archaeology.
  
• Progresses chronologically and culturally to reveal the processes by which multiple Andean societies became increasingly complex.

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
Archaeologists have long given attention to landscape, especially within settlement archaeology. In recent years, however, the focus on landscape has shifted and what was once generally passive background has now assumed the foreground. This results partly from archaeologists expanding their view beyond individual sites to considering a more comprehensive distribution of human traces in and especially between specific "places of special interest".

This book offers new and diverse perspectives on the ideational qualities of past landscapes. The editors introduce several theoretical sources supporting studies of ideational landscapes and, in so doing, give definitions of key categories of landscape, as constructed, conceived, and ideational. The contributors draw on the wide range of literature on these kinds of landscape, numerous case studies and their own theoretical background and experience to provide a thematic examination of the archaeologies of landscape. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fantastic book
I enjoyed Archaeologies of Landscape immensely. Most of the papers are good, with some clearly standing out, and I never felt the urge to skip through one. The introduction and commentaries in the end are both excellent. This isn't an introduction to landscape archaeology, but that's not to say that the papers can't be enjoyed by those without a background in the field ... 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

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

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This book is an introduction to the archaeology of Australia from prehistoric times to the eighteenth century AD. It is the only up-to-date textbook on the subject and is designed for undergraduate courses, based on the author's considerable experience of teaching at the Australian National University. Lucidly written, it shows the diversity and colourfulness of the history of humanity in the southern continent.

The Archaeology of Ancient Australia demonstrates with an array of illustrations and clear descriptions of key archaeological evidence from Australia a thorough evaluation of Australian prehistory. Readers are shown how this human past can be reconstructed from archaeological evidence, supplemented by information from genetics, environmental sciences, anthropology, and history. The result is a challenging view about how varied human life in the ancient past has been.

Customer Reviews (1)

A very useful book about Australian Aborigines
The book covers all the time between the arrival of Homo sapiens on Australian continent, discuss the most important archaeological sites and traces the line toward actual Aborigines. ... Read more

Product Description
For thousands of years Egypt has crowded the Nile Valley and Delta. The Eastern Desert, however, has also played a crucial - though until now little understood - role in Egyptian history. Ancient inhabitants of the Nile Valley feared the desert, which they referred to as the Red Land, and were reluctant to venture there, yet they exploited the extensive mineral wealth of this region. They also profited from the valuable wares conveyed across the desert between the Nile and the Red Sea ports, which originated from Arabia, Africa, India, and elsewhere in the east.

Based on twenty years of archaeological fieldwork conducted in the Eastern Desert, The Red Land reveals the cultural and historical richness of this little known and seldom visited area of Egypt. A range of important archaeological sites dating from Prehistoric to Byzantine times is explored here in text and illustrations. Among these ancient treasures are petroglyphs, cemeteries, fortified wells, gold and emerald mines, hard stone quarries, roads, forts, ports, and temples. With 250 photographs and fascinating artistic reconstructions based on the evidence on the ground, along with the latest research and accounts from ancient sources and modern travelers, the authors lead the reader into the remotest corners of the hauntingly beautiful Eastern Desert to discover the full story of the area's human history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

the red land
The book gives a very thorough elaboration of the trade routes, water stations, forts,mining comlexes in the eastern Egyptian desert between the Nile and the Red Sea, including harbour installations. The description is completed by information on the living conditions in such a hard environment as seen in ancient times and today.
A perfect work, well written, very clear and completed by numerous drawings and photographs. A joy to read

A seminal contribution to archaeological studies and Egyptology shelves
Classical archaeology and ancient history professor Steven E. Sidebotham, freelance artist and archaeologist Martin Hense, and independent Egyptologist and archaeologist Hendrikje M. Nouwens present The Red Land: The Illustrated Archaeology of Egypt's Eastern Desert, a scholarly, in-depth reference to the rich, millennia-old history these inhospitable yet mineral-rich lands. Firmly grounded on twenty years of archaeological research and fieldwork done within Egypt's Eastern Desert, The Red Land spotlights especially significant sites, treasures, petroglyphs, cemeteries, mines, quarries, temples, and much more. Illustrated with over 280 black-and-white and color photographs, The Red Land is a seminal contribution to archaeological studies and Egyptology shelves, and a superb pick for college libraries. ... Read more

Product Description
Field Methods in Archaeology has been the leading source for instructors and students in archaeology courses and field schools for 60 years since it was first authored in 1949 by the legendary Robert Heizer. Left Coast has arranged to put the most recent Seventh Edition back into print after a brief hiatus, making this classic textbook again available to the next generation of archaeology students. This comprehensive guide provides an authoritative overview of the variety of methods used in field archaeology, from research design, to survey and excavation strategies, to conservation of artifacts and record-keeping. Authored by three leading archaeologists, with specialized contributions by several other experts, this volume deals with current issues such as cultural resource management, relations with indigenous peoples, and database management as well as standard methods of archaeological data collection and analysis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

View from the field
I am a professional archaeologist. I had previously used Joukowsky for field schools in the past, but to be honest it is not as useful as it used to be. This book is now my replacement for Joukowsky. It is not for the casual reader and the writing style is not intended to entertain, but to educate. This book has everything you need for field schools, and certaily for the serious avocational archaeologist it will guide you well. It is long because modern methods are far more complex then they used to be and to cover all the essentials requires a book of this length.

If you are looking for an entertaining, easy read - this book is not for you. If you want to learn about the current best practices in field methodology, you would be hard-pressed to do better then this.

Is this the same version as from 1997?
Looking at this book there is a version printing in 1997, that sells for a a lot less(8 dollars for the used instead of 68) and is also the 7th edition, just a heads up if you need to get this book like I do for a class, Im not sure if anything at all is different about it besides an updated cover

Good book for a student
This is an excellent book for a student of archaeological methods.If you are looking for light reading, as some of the earlier reviews must have been, then look somewhere else.

Fantastic Book
Fantastic book! Very clear and very comprehensive. If you are serious about archaeology, you'll enjoy this book. If you're a hobbyist or have comprehension issues, you might not enjoy it. Highly recommended.

An archaeological field school in a book.
This is a comprehensive text book, not of the "Archaeology for Dummies" variety.More than a couple universities use this book as their standard text for senior level courses in archaeological field methods.Be prepared to learn rather than entertained...it's a serious work.As for the writing style, most text books could stand to be re-written by some best-selling author, but had to give this one five stars just to bring its score up from the absurd two and a half it is currently rated at. ... Read more

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A captivating, multidimensional collection of writings on the soul--from creation myths to beat poetry, religion to rock-n-roll. "Inspiring, often mind-blowing, sometimes even a little scary."--Los Angeles Times ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Soul -Undefinable but Essential
This highly assesable anthology shows through brief essays and
stories what it is in art, life, intellectual thought, and sensous moments, and the passing of everydaylife that makes some things so indispensible and so life giving.Life=Soul, same thing.Read this book like grooving with your favorite CD or being with your man or woman.You'll be the better for it. ... 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
This book presents novel and interesting ways of teaching archaeological concepts and processes to college and university students. Seeking alternatives to the formal lecture format, the various contributions seek better ways of communicating the complexities of human behavior and of engaging students in active learning about the past. This collection of imaginative exercises designed by 20 master instructors on three continents includes role-playing, games, simulations, activities, and performance, all designed to teach archaeological concepts in interesting and engaging ways. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1532, when Pizarro conquered Peru, the Inca realm was one of the largest empires on earth, graced by gold masterpieces, towns with great palaces and temples, and an impressive network of roads. But this glittering culture only obscured the rich and diverse civilizations that had preceded it: Chavin, Moche, Nazca, Tiwanaku, Huari, and Chimú. Described as a "masterly study" and an "outstanding volume" on its first publication, The Incas and Their Ancestors quickly established itself as the best general introduction to the cultures and civilizations of ancient Peru. Now this classic text has been fully updated for the revised edition. New discoveries over the last decade are integrated throughout. The occupation of Peru's desert coast can now be traced back to 12,000 BC and ensuing maritime adaptations are examined in early littoral societies that mummified their dead and others that were mound builders. The spread of Andean agriculture is related to fresh data on climate, and protracted drought is identified as a recurrent contributor to the rise and fall of civilizations in the Cordillera. The results of recent excavations enliven understanding of coastal Moche and Nazca societies and the ancient highland states of Huari and Tiwanaku. Architectural models accompanying burials provide fresh interpretations of the palaces of imperial Chan Chan, while the origins of the Incas are given new clarity by a spate of modern research on America's largest native empire. 225 b/w illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

****
The book is written in elaborate English - not easy to read but very elegant. Although it is supposed to be an introduction it should be read at least two times to fertilize one's mind. Author present his vision of Peruvian prehistory in a "reversed" order. He begins with Incas (1/5 of the whole book) to continue with plethora of their ancestors. As a result a reader gets a nice patchwork of archaeological-based definitions and life-giving interpretations. Some out-of-date details are perhaps only in my edition (2001).

Good background for a trip to Peru
If you are interested in understanding Incan civilization: its origins and antecedents, the economy that sustained it, and its interrelationship with the unique Andean environment, then this book is for you.I read it as background for a trip to Peru and it made the sites I saw much more interesting to be able to put them in a context.The first four chapters are a Historical Introduction followed by a fascinating analysis of how the complex Andean (Cordilleran) environment impacted native peoples, then chapters on Inca society and the Inca state.Subsequent chapters on earlier societies are less interesting and have more of a survey feel. This is not "popular history" - dumbed down and anecdotal; and some readers appear to have found it a difficult book. It has the feel of an upper level college history text (for me that is praise).I found it jargon free and easy to read.

Not what I looked for
Before visiting Peru, I bought a few books on the history and archaelogy of the land, to prepare me for what I would see. After studying this book, my understanding of pre-Inca and Inca civilizations is still extremely lacunary. This book does not place the archaeological finds in a meaningful historical context. In lieu of history we are given an abstract of Inca legends - interesting but not enough. Surely more is known or can be extracted from the archeaological records! The relations between the various civilizations is skipped over. On the positive side is an attempt to explain some features of the andean civilizations in terms of the echology of the land.

Great resource
I use this book a great deal as a resource for research on ancient Peru.Although this book is not "made pretty" with lots of color photographs and has a textbook feel, it does contain a wealth of information and scholarship.It is a must read for anyone wanting to learn about the ancient cultures of Peru in depth.

Ancestors more advanced than the Incas
It is a shame that THE INCAS has to be stressed to sell a book that is so good on their ancestors. In North Peru, for example, the Moche left a wealth of advanced (& colorful) information & technology skills of which Peru does not take advantage, especially in terms of tourism. See unitru.edu.pe/arq for the cultures of North Peru. We await the revised edition. Michael White & Clara Bravo, Trujillo Peru Tour Guides. ... 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

Amazon.com Review
Product Description
For 2,000 years and more, the Bible and its precepts have shaped world culture and civilization, whether Judeo-Christian or not. The Bible is a touchstone of religious belief, literary accomplishment, morality, and history unlike any other. Biblical interpretations have changed over the millennia, but the past 100 years have witnessed some of the most important transformations in our perspective, and no recent influence has been greater than archaeology.

In the mid-20th century, the unearthing of the Dead Sea Scrolls—to cite just one of many modern finds—deepened our understanding of the Biblical world, its peoples, and their beliefs. Since then, new evidence has appeared—the Tel Dan inscription, the Merneptah Stele, and the Gabriel Revelation—with each revelation providing richer insights into the scriptural narrative and the way these stories were written and handed down, confirming the details of historical events and personages, or clarifying the meaning and chronology of biblical ideas.

Meticulous, scholarly, yet always accessible, this is required reading for anyone interested in both Old and New Testaments and the creeds, cultures, and civilizations of ancient Hebrews and early Christians alike.

Look Inside The Letter and the Scroll

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Customer Reviews (3)

Unfortunate mistakes
The photo on page 157 is not the "Dome of the Rock" as labeled, but is actually the Al-Aqsa Mosque (the Dome of the Rock is the gold colored dome in the center of the temple mount).Also, the Temple Mount is not "southeast" per page 156, but northeast; the Goliath inscription on page 153 is not "prior" but after, etc.

The photos in the book are good, and the text is readable, but the book needs editing (e.g. see prior reviewers comments about upside down photos).

If technical mistakes are corrected, it's a good idea.Sorry, but please try again.

Upside down Hebrew
Some experts they are! The images of one Hebrew (p 245)and one Aramaic scroll (p 184) are published UPSIDE DOWN.

The letter and the Scroll:
Avery interesting and informative book...purchased as a Christmas present for my granddaughter, am anxious to see what she thinks...a beautiful book... ... Read more

Product Description
Archaeology as Human Ecology is a new introduction to concepts and methods in archaeology. It deals not with artifacts, but with sites, settlements, and subsistence. Karl W. Butzer's goal is to interpret the ecosystem of which an archaeologicial site or site network was part. Components of this study include geo-archaeology, archaeobotany, zoo-archaeology, and archaeometry. These methods are then used in examining interactions between human communities and their biophysical environment: the impact of settlement on site formation and the effects of subsistence activities on plants, animals, soils, and overall landscape modification. Finally, the methods and theoretical approach, are applied to examine the processes of cultural change and continuity. The approach of Archaeology as Human Ecology goes far beyond traditional environmental archaeology, which is concerned with simple reconstruction. It provides a clear, systemic approach that immediately allows an assessment of interactions. For the first time, it attempts to develop a comprehensive spatial archaeology - one that is far more than derivative spatial analysis. ... Read more

Product Description
What do archaeological excavations in Annapolis, Maryland, reveal about daily life in the city's history? Considering artifacts such as ceramics, spirit bundles, printer's type, and landscapes, this engaging, generously illustrated, and original study illuminates the lives of the city's residents--walking, seeing, reading, talking, eating, and living together in freedom and in oppression for more than three hundred years. Interpreting the results of one of the most innovative projects in American archaeology, The Archaeology of Liberty in an American Capital speaks powerfully to the struggle for liberty among African Americans and the poor. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent, Historians could learn a thing or two
Dr. Leone is an exceptional scholar. His work transcends normal narratives of archaeological excavation to become pieces of social histories, integrating landscape planning, material culture, art history and power structures which is them tempored by rich philosophical traditions. While this isn't a beach read, the thinking required by this work is well worth it. It is a fine work which will add great additions to anyone's thoughts on community development. To scholars it will prove that archaeologists not only dig dirt but excavate sentiments not ordinarily found in the documentary record. An excellent book for anyone who wants to understand what historical archaeology is and what it can be. Well worth it ... 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