The Man Who Found Thoreau: Roland W. Robbins And The Rise Of Historical Archaeology In America

by Donald W. Linebaugh

In The Man Who Found Thoreau Donald Linebaugh presents a succinct, articulate examination of the work of the pioneering but controversial archaeologist Roland Wells Robbins (1908-1987) and the development of historical archaeology in America. In 1945 the self-taught Robbins discovered the remains of Thoreau's cabin at Walden Pond. He excavated the site, documented his findings, and in 1947 published a short book, Discovery at Walden, about the experience. This project launched Robbins's career in archaeology, restoration, and reconstruction, and he went on to excavate at a number of New England iron works and other sites, including the Philipsburg Manor Upper Mills in New York, Stawbery Banke in New Hampshire, and Shadwell, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia birthplace. Although lacking academic training, Robbins quickly developed remarkably sophisticated techniques for the period. However, his "pick and shovel" methods were considered suspect and increasingly frowned upon by the emerging American historical archaeological establishment. As the profession evolved, trained American historical archaeologists, according to Donald Linebaugh, too scrupulously wrote Robbins out of the history of their emerging field. With the help of previously unpublished information, the author offers a balanced assessment of Robbins and his place in New England regional history and the history of American historical archaeology. The Man Who Found Thoreau is a must-read for scholars, students, and historical archaeology buffs alike.

Genres: Archaeology, American History

294 pages, Hardcover

First published November 4, 2004

Reviews

[Steve Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read about experience versus academia. Makes the subject matter sound like a nice enough, very well self-educated person. Gets a little repetitive, mostly thematically but now and then literally. A good follow-up read to Robbins' own book about Walden Pond.

[Janna Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone whose own love and passion for historical archaeology was systematically broken down and obliterated by the inane processes of academia, I was very excited to find the story of a character, in my field, I could relate to. The book is thoroughly researched and concise, as there is much to consider in this man's life. The debates, arguments, and egos that inundate the archaeological world are sifted through carefully and the author makes a great effort to present Robbins in a fair and balanced fashion. An interesting, thought provoking read.