The Past in Perspective An Introduction to Human Prehistory 3rd Edition

by Kenneth L. Feder

This engaging, up-to-date, chronological introduction presents human prehistory within a framework of themes, issues, and debates. Featuring a consistent chapter format and an appropriate level of detail for students with no previous exposure to archaeology, it also offers outstanding pedagogy including maps, timelines (interactive on the companion Online Learning Center), chapter summaries, lists of key terms, 16 pages of full color photos, and more!

Genres: Anthropology, History, Archaeology, Nonfiction, Science, School, Textbooks

Unknown Binding

First published March 19, 1996

Reviews

[Pearson Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This textbook provides a balanced discussion of sometimes controversial topics, chief among them the Eve or RAO Theory versus the Multi-regional Theory, but including subjects such as Neanderthal culture and the beginnings of human civilization. This book rates a solid four stars in my mind. I decided to award five stars on the basis of the plethora of useful illustrations and the unflagging determination to give balanced perspective to every discussion.

[⋆⭒˚ Ali ☾⋆.˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting! I like the way this author writes.

[Ironically Nostalgic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The irreverent tone of this textbook is unique, but it makes reading through the fundamentals of archaeology much more straightforward than a pure reference book. The author writes with the enthusiasm of a great teacher, and the sources/secondary/additional readings are, from what I have combed through, absolutely excellent. It is hard to explain the unique intersection that archaeology rests upon: the analysis of material cultures, bookended with interdisciplinary forays into earth sciences, biology, chemistry, and interspersed with literary renderings of early human life. In any event, this textbook is one of the better places to start a lifelong journey with the subject.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction into prehistory from an archaeological perspective and ending on a world tour of the birth of “complex societies”. Chapters 1-9 I enjoyed while the last few chapters of “An Explosion of Complexity” I found lacking a depth that the previous chapters had. At times I felt I was reading more sociology than archaeology or anthropology. Perhaps more pointedly a modern social critique of ancient societies rather than more detailed information about the findings and observations. As a joking aside Feder seemed rather annoyed at the alien ideas that often find their way into the speculation of pre and ancient history. But perhaps would have been better placed in a podcast setting rather than a textbook published by Oxford. I appreciated the book lists at the end of each chapter that I will allow me to go deeper into the areas I find more personally interesting and would be happy to grab his book “Ancient America: Fifty Archaeological Sites to See for Yourself”. I have plans to take my wife and daughter on long weekend trips throughout the months and years and would love to visit these sites while out on the road.

[Randy Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

deal for introduction to archaeology and world prehistory courses, The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory, Eighth Edition, is an engaging and up-to-date chronological overview of human prehistory. Kenneth L. Feder introduces students to "the big picture"--the grand sweep of human evolutionary history--presenting the human past within the context of fundamental themes of cultural evolution. Feder's unique, refreshing, and accessible narrative personalizes the past and makes it relevant to today's students. Using a consistent chapter format--"Prelude, Chronicle, Issues and Debates, Messages from the Past, and Case Study Close-up"--Feder helps students master both what we know and what is still debated about the complex story of the human past.
Bought for a class, the book was interesting and gave brief timeline of mans progress. I enjoyed this class and material much more than I thought I would.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely is a text book as personable or as interesting as this one. A great intro to Anthropology and/or Archaeology. There is a ton of information in this book, but the style is quick and friendly and keeps it on an introductory level without dumbing it down. I appreciated the very balanced viewpoints on controversial issues, as well.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The 7th edition was horrible. Feder is nothing more than a racist - he gives a multitude of examples of his hatred for Europeans. If this is the way American colleges are going, the end of democracy is getting closer. And if you think that's a good idea, you would be wrong.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a class. Sometimes confusing, but overall a good intro to the topic.

[Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like when history textbooks put really corny jokes in there.

[Courtney Mosier Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5-- but I rounded up for all the humor that was in a school textbook.

[Keshia · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could rate this negative stars I would

[Pedro · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a textbook so I didn't expect it to be enrapturing. Nevertheless I found the subject matter interesting and the author's occasional sense of humor to be a welcome addition. He can get a little preachy though.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this for a class. I must say I was not disappointed. It is a very informative book on where we as a species came from. It also delves into the beginnings of human civilization. I learned a lot the book was worth the purchase.

[Mary Good · Rating 2 out of 5]

Waste of money

The book itself has good information. Unfortunately whoever put the book into Kindle format did a horrific job. Pages and images are cut in two, pages are out of order, pages are length wise but put into Kindle width wise. Do not recommend.

[Emily Hankle]

For a class. The history/pre-history of the world is so major!!

[Keohokaleleonalani]

It was a good book, and if anything I'm keeping it, it's good for review.