Stone tools in the Paleolithic and Neolithic near East : a guide /

In this useful volume, anthropologist Shea (Stony Brook Univ.) fills an important niche by providing the first multi-period survey of Near Eastern stone tool typology and technology. He begins with a brief introduction followed by a general overview of stone tool basics. Next come chapters covering the Lower, Middle, and Upper Paleolithic, the Epipaleolithic, and the Neolithic. A concluding chapter summarizes patterns in the stone tool record in this region; useful appendixes providing detailed type lists for each period and discussing measurement of stone tools follow. A detailed, up-to-date bibliography and thorough index conclude the volume. Intended for students and experienced researchers, this guide will be of value to both groups, although introductory-level students may find the discussion difficult to follow at times. Readers might also be surprised to find little information on the functions of these stone tools. Although the book includes numerous illustrations, in many cases their small size makes it difficult to view important details; in a few cases, readers are referred to the publisher's website for illustrations not included in the text. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. W. Kotter Weber State University