Review by Choice Review
The study of archaeology is a multidisciplinary endeavor, encompassing such disparate fields as biology, chemistry, and physics (that is, most of the natural sciences), as well as the social sciences and humanities. It follows that the tools available to modern-day archaeologists vary widely, depending on their specific interests and expertise, and also on the nature of artifacts that have been unearthed. This work differs from most archaeology texts in being devoted exclusively to the methodologies currently adopted by archaeologists. Five distinct sections follow an introduction jointly authored by Richards (Simon Fraser Univ.) and Britton (Univ. of Aberdeen), namely: "Biomolecular Archaeology," "Bioarchaeology," "Environmental Archaeology," "Materials Analysis," and "Absolute Dating Methods." Each section includes discussion of a wide range of available techniques. The scope and limitations of the various techniques presented are carefully explored, and their utility illustrated through presentation of relevant case studies. The depth and complexity of each chapter varies with the technique in question. Overall, discussion highlights the diversity of information that can be obtained, whether through modern laboratory- or field-based investigation. This is an interesting and well-written text that will be of principal interest to advanced undergraduates and graduate students pursuing careers in archaeology and related fields. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and graduate students. --Danny A. Brass, independent scholar
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
