Encyclopedia of dubious archaeology : from Atlantis to the Walam Olum /

The rationale for this encyclopedia is that some archaeology is based on dubious interpretations or claims. Author Feder, a professor of anthropology, casts a skeptical eye on hoaxes such as Piltdown Man and questionable discoveries such as crystal skulls as well as on some of the pseudoscience surrounding the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. Entries are arranged alphabetically, from African inspiration of the Olmec to Westford Knight. Each entry offers several paragraphs on the subject, followed by a suggestion of a title or website to continue the study. Although most entries offer two or three paragraphs, some topics, such as Discovery of America, cover several pages. This is a fascinating book to read, and one that could help to answer trivia questions on the Cardiff Giant or the Ica Stones. Although it may not be a necessary reference purchase, many of the topics will be familiar to fans of cable shows that focus on the extraordinary and the unusual. Also available as an e-book.--Hogan, Patricia Copyright 2010 Booklist

As archaeological documentaries on cable television attract millions of viewers and The Da Vinci Code registers sales in the millions, this new title addresses popular archaeological myths from Atlantis to aliens. Feder (anthropology, Central Connecticut State Univ.) is author of several books, including The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory and Frauds. In this work, he disproves popular hoaxes with understandable explanations of inaccuracies, pointing often to lack of critical study or simply misrepresentation. The book usefully distinguishes between questionable findings and outright frauds, containing 134 fascinating alphabetical entries from "African Inspiration of the Oleic" to the "Westford Knight." Also covered are topics like the Cardiff Giant, the famous Piltdown Man, and the origins of the Atlantis myth, which Feder traces to a legend stemming from Plato's writings. Entries range in length from a half-page to three pages. Further reading suggestions direct researchers to secondary sources, including print resources, articles, and websites. The volume has 50 black-and-white illustrations, photographs, and maps, along with a useful index. BOTTOM LINE This well-organized one-volume reference tool is recommended for high school and public libraries. It could also prove valuable for archaeology and prehistory students, as well as casual readers with an interest in historical mysteries.-Bobbie Wrinkle, McCracken Cty. P.L., Paducah, KY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.