For the Fourth Edition, new theoretical approaches, such as agency, materiality, and engagement theory, are added and earlier approaches analyzed afresh. Field methods and scientific techniques have been updated throughout, and new emphasis is placed on climate change and its impact on human affairs. The latest information on topics as varied as the Iceman, Pleistocene extinctions, and llama domestication is included, along with the most up-to-date material on GIS and surveying technology.

New topics will be introduced to emphasize the ever-changing face of modern archaeology, and additional special box features will be included, as well as discussion of the archaeological techniques needed to study the material culture of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. A key component of the new edition will be the introduction of a dedicated Web site and study guide to accompany the textbook itself. Over 600 illustrations.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 12 reviews)

Just What I Was Looking For

I did a lot of research and finally got this one from the library, but I ordered it from Amazon.com about three chapters in because I loved it so much.

It covers each topic with in archaeology in good depth, but not too much information. There are great inlays with information on particular sites that illustrate the points discussed in the chapter. I have a minor in Archaeology and I found this book to be an excellent refresher and very interesting.
January 31, 2008

Perfect for beginners

We were assigned to tests for my Principle of Archaeology class this semester. This one and the one from Sharer-Ashmore. I bought both of them. The material in both is specific, it covers all the major topics of the discipline and they are great.

What sets this one apart, is the format. It is easier for beginners to digest the information and is not filled with dense data that will end up confusing most who read. I would recommend it for both classes and for others who wish to know more about the discipline
September 21, 2005

Mother-in-law goes back to school

my 87 year old M-i-L is at SFSU this semester. Taking an Archaeology Methods course. The only thing I know about the book is it's damned expensive. Glad I could get it used from Amazon
September 10, 2005

This is a wonderful textbook.

It is well written, and lavishly illustrated. It is the kind of book that makes you want to get up and start an excavation. If you are interested in the past, and how to figure out the mysteries of the past, then this book is a gold mine. I loved the way that it took complex subjects and made them so easy to understand. Why it was enjoyable. What a wonderful and special book. I really recommend this book.
February 16, 2005

Excellent catalogue of just about anything in archaeolgy

Renfrew and Bahn have set up great book, almost a catalogue, about archaeological practice. Fairly every subject they mention is laid out with great precision, and the accompanying schemes and pictures couldn't have been chosen better. If you like to dive into the subject of archaeology, whether it concerns its history, their dating methods, excavation practices, the goals archaeology pursues or whatever else, you can't go wrong here.
March 27, 2004

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