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My Life in Ruins
Part memoir, part potted history of civilisation, My Life in Ruins is the account of a life lived in uncovering the past. Adam Ford is an archaeologist. Not only has he been on expeditions to unlock the mysteries of the past in the Caribbean, British Isles, Jordan, Syria, Israel, United Arab Emirates and Australia, he's also had heat stroke, hypothermia, and dysentery; been chased by camel spiders; walked on by scorpions and pestered by bugs big enough to ride. In more than 20 years roaming the globe, he's lived in some of the most remote locations in the world and suffered the back-breaking and soul-destroying monotony of shifting tonnes of dirt with a shovel. From Cold War bunkers in England to Bronze Age cities on the Euphrates, remotes caves in the Jordan Valley, shipwrecks in Western Australia and burials in Barbados, Adam has dug, dived, abseiled and trekked his way into history. Part memoir, part potted history of civilisation, MY LIFE IN RUINS is the story of a life lived in uncovering the past.
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First published July 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 26, 2015
I haven't seen Adam Ford's TV show; in fact I hadn't even heard of him. I suspect him of being a geek though (that's a compliment), since his book is peppered with references to Indy, Lara Croft, and other pop culture. The book opens with a fitting quote from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy:
The History of every major Galactic Civilisation tends to pass through three distinct and recognisable phases, those of Survival, Inquiry and Sophistication, otherwise known as the How, Why and Where phases.
Side note; I really need to re-read Hitchhiker's and try to develop some appreciation for it.
My knowledge of Ford's book came through seeing it on the shelf at Target and thinking Ooooh, archaeology . I went through a period of wanting, I'm pretty sure like every other kid who grew up in the 80's, to be Indiana Jones. Though born a little earlier than me, so did Adam Ford. Films like Indy really coloured my view of what archaeology is. I think Petra! Egypt! Greece! Perhaps some Neolithic sites for good measure! Ford gives us some of those. He did indeed have a dig in Petra, and in a Neolithic cave. He also had digs in other ancient sites in Jordan and Turkey, for example. I hadn't considered the role of archaeology in more recent sites, or in urban areas, and I was led to consider this from Ford's descriptions of the work in a munitions factory, or his recent work for the 'Who's Been Sleeping in my House' TV show. In a later chapter Ford discusses "taphonomic processes", and provides an example of a house falling into decay. It really helped me understand how sites 'sink' into the ground, so to speak.
This isn't a book wholly about archaeological digs; the title gives it away with the "my life..." part. This is a series of anecdotes, connected to Ford's experiences on digs, but not necessarily always about the archaeological processes themselves. Ford provides a political context for which the dig occurred in (on one occasion, digging in Jordan whilst tensions with nearby Israel escalated); providing an idea of the conditions archaeologists work under - very often hot, sandy, with limited water supplies and with (worst in my mind) NO BATHING FACILITIES. Actually, I'm gonna make that last one equal with CAMEL SPIDERS. I googled them after reading about them. Horrifying. Combine the no bathing facilities with a certain experience Ford had in Syria and.... Hahaha (laughing with you here Adam...). You'll have to read about that one for yourself.
I was a little uncertain of the book at first. Ford has an irreverent approach to things that I wasn't sure I appreciated at first. For example;
The rock that lies at the centre of the Dome of the Rock, the Foundation Stone, is the most holy location in Judaism and they are not allowed to visit it. Honestly, you couldn't make it up.
There are a few remarks in a similar vein made about Jerusalem. Either the book moved on, or else I got over myself, because once through the Jerusalem chapter I settled into Ford's sense of humour.
One of the things that resonated most with me were the stories of people Ford included. The heartbreaking story of a young boy and a well; the story of a Palestinian refugee in Jordan who could see his old home through a pair of rusty binoculars; the story of Ray who visited his old home for the "Who's Been Sleeping in My House" show; an old man in Petra with a letter he'd been given by an archaeologist some 30 years before. One thing I didn't appreciate at the time but realise now is that providing context is a huge part of storytelling, and of archaeology.
Ford's final chapter has him questioning the value of archaeology; does it have one? What is it? He writes; The past gives our lives context and I certainly feel that my appreciation of it has given me a better understanding of the here and now.
The History of every major Galactic Civilisation tends to pass through three distinct and recognisable phases, those of Survival, Inquiry and Sophistication, otherwise known as the How, Why and Where phases.
Side note; I really need to re-read Hitchhiker's and try to develop some appreciation for it.
My knowledge of Ford's book came through seeing it on the shelf at Target and thinking Ooooh, archaeology . I went through a period of wanting, I'm pretty sure like every other kid who grew up in the 80's, to be Indiana Jones. Though born a little earlier than me, so did Adam Ford. Films like Indy really coloured my view of what archaeology is. I think Petra! Egypt! Greece! Perhaps some Neolithic sites for good measure! Ford gives us some of those. He did indeed have a dig in Petra, and in a Neolithic cave. He also had digs in other ancient sites in Jordan and Turkey, for example. I hadn't considered the role of archaeology in more recent sites, or in urban areas, and I was led to consider this from Ford's descriptions of the work in a munitions factory, or his recent work for the 'Who's Been Sleeping in my House' TV show. In a later chapter Ford discusses "taphonomic processes", and provides an example of a house falling into decay. It really helped me understand how sites 'sink' into the ground, so to speak.
This isn't a book wholly about archaeological digs; the title gives it away with the "my life..." part. This is a series of anecdotes, connected to Ford's experiences on digs, but not necessarily always about the archaeological processes themselves. Ford provides a political context for which the dig occurred in (on one occasion, digging in Jordan whilst tensions with nearby Israel escalated); providing an idea of the conditions archaeologists work under - very often hot, sandy, with limited water supplies and with (worst in my mind) NO BATHING FACILITIES. Actually, I'm gonna make that last one equal with CAMEL SPIDERS. I googled them after reading about them. Horrifying. Combine the no bathing facilities with a certain experience Ford had in Syria and.... Hahaha (laughing with you here Adam...). You'll have to read about that one for yourself.
I was a little uncertain of the book at first. Ford has an irreverent approach to things that I wasn't sure I appreciated at first. For example;
The rock that lies at the centre of the Dome of the Rock, the Foundation Stone, is the most holy location in Judaism and they are not allowed to visit it. Honestly, you couldn't make it up.
There are a few remarks in a similar vein made about Jerusalem. Either the book moved on, or else I got over myself, because once through the Jerusalem chapter I settled into Ford's sense of humour.
One of the things that resonated most with me were the stories of people Ford included. The heartbreaking story of a young boy and a well; the story of a Palestinian refugee in Jordan who could see his old home through a pair of rusty binoculars; the story of Ray who visited his old home for the "Who's Been Sleeping in My House" show; an old man in Petra with a letter he'd been given by an archaeologist some 30 years before. One thing I didn't appreciate at the time but realise now is that providing context is a huge part of storytelling, and of archaeology.
Ford's final chapter has him questioning the value of archaeology; does it have one? What is it? He writes; The past gives our lives context and I certainly feel that my appreciation of it has given me a better understanding of the here and now.
July 23, 2020
I really enjoy reading about archaeology. I can still remember how Howard Carter made me feel I was looking over his shoulder when he gazed into Tutankhamun's tomb. (Carnarvon asked, "Can you see anything?" Carter replied with the famous words: "Yes, wonderful things!")
This book ... not so much. If you're a fan of Adam's TV show, you might like reading his babbling about his life. He goes here, he goes there, he easily (somehow!) picks up high-paying archaelological jobs, etc. But does he ever make us long to look over his shoulder? ... nope. This has to be the most boring archaeological book I've ever read.
2 Stars = Blah. It didn't do anything for me.
This book ... not so much. If you're a fan of Adam's TV show, you might like reading his babbling about his life. He goes here, he goes there, he easily (somehow!) picks up high-paying archaelological jobs, etc. But does he ever make us long to look over his shoulder? ... nope. This has to be the most boring archaeological book I've ever read.
2 Stars = Blah. It didn't do anything for me.
May 29, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this, and now I'm regretting that I didn't know enough to want to be an archaeologist when I was younger. Technically this is a memoir, but one focussed almost exclusively on Adam Ford's professional life - from his very first dig in the Caribbean, through his Middle Eastern period, to some very high profile projects in Australia. Most recently Ford has been the expert presenter of a TV series (which I love and have watched religiously), so I'm very familiar with his irreverent style and distinctive voice, and I think I read the whole book in that voice - a bit like having a one-sided conversation with the author.
Recommended for anyone with an interest in the the past; an interest in how the past affects the present and the future; or even just an interest in the world around us.
Recommended for anyone with an interest in the the past; an interest in how the past affects the present and the future; or even just an interest in the world around us.
June 21, 2016
I greatly enjoyed this light-hearted memoir by Adam Ford, archaeologist and TV presenter. I first came across him when watching his ABC TV show Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed?, and, on googling him, found that he's had a very interesting career as an international archaeologist.
The book is a straightforward chronological account of his career, from his early days as a callow university student, through to the establishment of his own consultancy, and thus his professional reputation.
Ford has that special gift shared by a few scientists that have made the cross-over into popular culture, i.e. a talent for relating factual information in an entertaining and accessible way. I appreciated his plain English explanations of various archaeological terms and practices. And I also chuckled many times as he recounted the privations of life in remote, dusty locations with only the most primitive of facilities. The grotty cook with the filthy hands in Syria had me cringing!
" "Toilet' is perhaps a generous term, but I'm not sure what to call a huge hole in the ground under a chair with the seat knocked out of it, balanced precariously on two bouncy planks that spanned the six foot drop. Trips to the loo were intense, and after a couple of days, frequent. Our driver also doubled as the cook, which was a pity, because he was a terrible driver and he couldn't cook. His personal hygiene was non-existent and seemingly his food hygiene was worse."
British-born and raised, Ford cut his teeth as an archaeologist in the Middle East, with a focus on very early human settlements. Having met an Australian woman, he migrated here in the 1990s and gradually built up a highly respected practice. He has conducted digs of some of Australia's most important colonial sites, including Pentridge Prison in suburban Melbourne, and the site of the Kelly Gang's final showdown with Victoria Police, the shoot-out at Glenrowan. I particularly appreciated his careful recounting of the Ned Kelly story, and his diligence in using archaeological evidence to confirm facts and discount fallacies.
Throughout the book his touch is light - he does not get bogged down in heavy factoids or convoluted theories. His warmth and good sense of humour hold the reader's attention in what is a clever mixture of 'big picture' and 'little vignette' episodes in a most interesting life.
4★s
The book is a straightforward chronological account of his career, from his early days as a callow university student, through to the establishment of his own consultancy, and thus his professional reputation.
Ford has that special gift shared by a few scientists that have made the cross-over into popular culture, i.e. a talent for relating factual information in an entertaining and accessible way. I appreciated his plain English explanations of various archaeological terms and practices. And I also chuckled many times as he recounted the privations of life in remote, dusty locations with only the most primitive of facilities. The grotty cook with the filthy hands in Syria had me cringing!
" "Toilet' is perhaps a generous term, but I'm not sure what to call a huge hole in the ground under a chair with the seat knocked out of it, balanced precariously on two bouncy planks that spanned the six foot drop. Trips to the loo were intense, and after a couple of days, frequent. Our driver also doubled as the cook, which was a pity, because he was a terrible driver and he couldn't cook. His personal hygiene was non-existent and seemingly his food hygiene was worse."
British-born and raised, Ford cut his teeth as an archaeologist in the Middle East, with a focus on very early human settlements. Having met an Australian woman, he migrated here in the 1990s and gradually built up a highly respected practice. He has conducted digs of some of Australia's most important colonial sites, including Pentridge Prison in suburban Melbourne, and the site of the Kelly Gang's final showdown with Victoria Police, the shoot-out at Glenrowan. I particularly appreciated his careful recounting of the Ned Kelly story, and his diligence in using archaeological evidence to confirm facts and discount fallacies.
Throughout the book his touch is light - he does not get bogged down in heavy factoids or convoluted theories. His warmth and good sense of humour hold the reader's attention in what is a clever mixture of 'big picture' and 'little vignette' episodes in a most interesting life.
4★s
December 14, 2015
An excellent read for anybody interested in archaeology. Adam Ford's never boring account about digging in Syria, Jordan, Barbados, UK and Australia and about his work on other archaeological projects create a vibrant picture of what it is like to be an archaelogist, and especially a field archaeologist.
November 28, 2017
I bought this audiobook almost two years ago as a birthday present for my boyfriend, Bowie. We do enjoy listening to them, but he considers them so addictive that he prefers a long car trip to listen to the whole thing. We were only going to Penrith and back this past weekend, but I suggested bringing this as it caught my eye again a few weeks back, neglected on the shelf. I'm glad I did!
Immediately, I could tell Bowie wasn't quite interested. Then Adam started explaining the difference between Archaeology and Paleontology and his interest sparked. All of a sudden it was Bowie not wanting to leave the car for snacks and a toilet break, and I knew he was hooked. I was hooked too, but we're talking about a person who has read approximately one book since school. The fact that I can get him interested in reading, even if it's an audiobook, is always magical to me.
The actual story is fun and informative, and really well read. Adam has a voice I could listen to for hours (and I did!) As always, an audiobook made the trip go quicker, and more enjoyable.
As just a book this would be a delightful one too, but there is something special about audiobooks for me. Loved it, can't wait for the next one!
Immediately, I could tell Bowie wasn't quite interested. Then Adam started explaining the difference between Archaeology and Paleontology and his interest sparked. All of a sudden it was Bowie not wanting to leave the car for snacks and a toilet break, and I knew he was hooked. I was hooked too, but we're talking about a person who has read approximately one book since school. The fact that I can get him interested in reading, even if it's an audiobook, is always magical to me.
The actual story is fun and informative, and really well read. Adam has a voice I could listen to for hours (and I did!) As always, an audiobook made the trip go quicker, and more enjoyable.
As just a book this would be a delightful one too, but there is something special about audiobooks for me. Loved it, can't wait for the next one!
July 16, 2021
A light and frothy take on all things archaeological. Ford has a fetching writing style and a fascination with history that's fairly infectious.
January 21, 2016
A very interesting book full of history I never knew existed. I only began reading this as it was next in line on my shelf and thought I'll have a little flip through and became addicted. I highly recommend book if you like history.
January 3, 2016
For anyone with an interest in Indiana Jones... I mean archaeology, this is a great read. Fascinating digs and travels, keen eye for detail and plenty of fun.
February 1, 2020
There were times during this book I became very interested and attentive to what Adam FORD was saying. As he claims at the end, he wanted to be a story teller, and at times he is very good. Except.........every now and then the 'I' word appears to be the most important to him.
He has had an enviable and exciting time during his many adventures, and no doubt is very good at what he does; i.e. he loves his job and it shows.
One aspect that gnawed at me was his tendency to tell an historical story about an area he went to, and then went overboard to the extent I am thinking "does he want to be a teacher?"
Then when he decided to go on and on about Ned Kelly that did it for me. Yes, it was interesting to learn about Ann Jones' Inn, its establishment and events at the siege, and even what happened at the site years after. I just got the impression he wanted to give the reader (listener in my case) his bent on the story which was remarkably anti-Ned. He states he told his crew not to form opinions as to Ned Kelly and his deeds, just concentrate on the dig, but in his summation, he did exactly that. I am not advocating I am in support of a murderer, far from it. But I believe FORD got himself a bit confused.
Towards the end, when he began to sprout his ideas on why we are here on earth, I thought this might be a story by a man going through a mid life crisis. When he told the reader of his praise of Richard Attenborough and his proclamations, I really began to reduce the amount of stars I would give this story. Attenborough is simply a narrator, who is fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. The camera work and explanations of these series are the real heroes.
I harkened back to the TV series I had seen "Whose Been Sleeping In My House", and remembered what I thought of him then. Rather an egotistical man, who wore the same clothes in every episode. Yes the stories of the houses were good, an area I would love to research myself, but I remember always getting the impression he turned everything towards himself, not the house.
Nevertheless, the book is well written and his adventures and near death experiences are good reading, and I expect he has a great following.
Yes, I can recommend this book to other readers who are interested in history and archaeology and a good yarn, but for me it was only three stars.
He has had an enviable and exciting time during his many adventures, and no doubt is very good at what he does; i.e. he loves his job and it shows.
One aspect that gnawed at me was his tendency to tell an historical story about an area he went to, and then went overboard to the extent I am thinking "does he want to be a teacher?"
Then when he decided to go on and on about Ned Kelly that did it for me. Yes, it was interesting to learn about Ann Jones' Inn, its establishment and events at the siege, and even what happened at the site years after. I just got the impression he wanted to give the reader (listener in my case) his bent on the story which was remarkably anti-Ned. He states he told his crew not to form opinions as to Ned Kelly and his deeds, just concentrate on the dig, but in his summation, he did exactly that. I am not advocating I am in support of a murderer, far from it. But I believe FORD got himself a bit confused.
Towards the end, when he began to sprout his ideas on why we are here on earth, I thought this might be a story by a man going through a mid life crisis. When he told the reader of his praise of Richard Attenborough and his proclamations, I really began to reduce the amount of stars I would give this story. Attenborough is simply a narrator, who is fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. The camera work and explanations of these series are the real heroes.
I harkened back to the TV series I had seen "Whose Been Sleeping In My House", and remembered what I thought of him then. Rather an egotistical man, who wore the same clothes in every episode. Yes the stories of the houses were good, an area I would love to research myself, but I remember always getting the impression he turned everything towards himself, not the house.
Nevertheless, the book is well written and his adventures and near death experiences are good reading, and I expect he has a great following.
Yes, I can recommend this book to other readers who are interested in history and archaeology and a good yarn, but for me it was only three stars.
July 19, 2022
When I was 14, I wanted to be an archaeologist. Life had other plans, plus I lived in Australia, where there werent many jobs in Archaeology in the 90s- but I thought this would give me an idea of what my dream job could gave been like.
I really enjoyed the book and his writing style.. And learned alot about the life of an archaeologist. I think I wouldnt have cut it as an archaeologist as would have been too squeemish with dead bodies- quite the revelation at my age.. it wasnt all about lost civilisations- there were lots of grave sites. But the stories were fascinating including the Ned Kelly story.
I really enjoyed the book and his writing style.. And learned alot about the life of an archaeologist. I think I wouldnt have cut it as an archaeologist as would have been too squeemish with dead bodies- quite the revelation at my age.. it wasnt all about lost civilisations- there were lots of grave sites. But the stories were fascinating including the Ned Kelly story.
January 24, 2019
Audiobook
Thoroughly enjoyed this memoir and that usually isn't my genre. Adam's discussion about archaeology and history and politics and religion were fascinating.
Goodreads star ratings from 23/9/17
My Goodreads star rating... *****
My Goodreads scale:
* waste of time
**filled in time
***good
****excellent
*****absolutely amazing
Thoroughly enjoyed this memoir and that usually isn't my genre. Adam's discussion about archaeology and history and politics and religion were fascinating.
Goodreads star ratings from 23/9/17
My Goodreads star rating... *****
My Goodreads scale:
* waste of time
**filled in time
***good
****excellent
*****absolutely amazing
November 12, 2022
Definitely not my usual genre, but I found it interesting all the same.
September 2, 2015
Among the many fine public communicators of history in recent times, Adam Ford has emerged in Australia as an archaeologist whose wonderment over past lives and events is both captivating and infectious.
In 'My Life In Ruins' he languidly—and with great humour--meanders through the weathered corridors of civilization; his footsteps uncover stories that intersected with his own formative years with details of the often difficult conditions and risks that were his ever-present companions.
For me, the value of archaeology is encapsulated by the famous words of George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
But such learning has to be framed by facts and context in plain language in order for it to be interpreted as valuable, meaningful and relevant.
With an increasing public fascination in matters historical, perhaps this requirement has become one of the essential skills of archaeology and it is one which Ford possesses in abundance.
This is a vibrant account of one archaeologist's intriguing relationship with the past. I am left with an inexplicable urge to reach for the nearest trowel and ask someone for permission to enter their trench.
In 'My Life In Ruins' he languidly—and with great humour--meanders through the weathered corridors of civilization; his footsteps uncover stories that intersected with his own formative years with details of the often difficult conditions and risks that were his ever-present companions.
For me, the value of archaeology is encapsulated by the famous words of George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
But such learning has to be framed by facts and context in plain language in order for it to be interpreted as valuable, meaningful and relevant.
With an increasing public fascination in matters historical, perhaps this requirement has become one of the essential skills of archaeology and it is one which Ford possesses in abundance.
This is a vibrant account of one archaeologist's intriguing relationship with the past. I am left with an inexplicable urge to reach for the nearest trowel and ask someone for permission to enter their trench.
March 17, 2016
Brilliant book that was interesting and a fascinating read. One usually only reads books on archaeology, rarely about the subject and this is a great means of finding out about the profession.
Mr Ford seems to have had a interesting career to this point and I love his tales of the early years, where he seems to stumble about and be a success.
Favourite tale is definitely the funeral of a colleague, in Jordan who had a camel drop dead before the ceremony. I was in fits of laughter imaging the scene.
Mr Ford seems to have had a interesting career to this point and I love his tales of the early years, where he seems to stumble about and be a success.
Favourite tale is definitely the funeral of a colleague, in Jordan who had a camel drop dead before the ceremony. I was in fits of laughter imaging the scene.
December 8, 2015
What a great, entertaining read that - for the first part - takes you on a highlights tour of the Middle East. I wouldn't know prehistory if I fell over it, but Adam Ford brings it to life and has a knack for succintly telling the story of complex history. I wanted to be there in Petra, Aleppo, Jerusalem, Damascus! The iconic Australian digs are also a fascinating insight particularly the Ned Kelly story.
October 26, 2016
Well-written and entertaining! A true account of the diverse discoveries and adventures of archaeologist-at-large & TV presenter, Adam Ford, British ex-pat who now lives in Australia. I learned what archeology is really about, how a good archaeologist is part historian, part botanist, part geologist, and mostly masochist. While occasionally hair-raising, archeological fieldwork is definitely NOT glamorous or easy!
July 6, 2018
This is a career memoir of an archaeologist; part history of the world, part personal account of his different digs. I really, really enjoyed most of this book -- especially the recounts about his times in the Middle East; really interesting and laugh out loud funny. Some locations and more modern historical sites I didn't love as much, but that's entirely due to my apparently quite specific interests in history.
February 14, 2016
A witty and informative memoir of life on an archaeology dig in exotic places, becoming a television presenter and the everyday life of an archaeologist (even taking part in a Time Team dig). I have enjoyed watching 'Who's been sleeping in my house' and I will enjoy it all the more now knowing more about Adam's amazing life.
September 25, 2016
Adam Ford's written this book about his work was an archaeologist and it is amazing. He's been all over the world digging, searching, finding stuff! He writes as if he's having a conversation and it is thoroughly enjoyable. Loved it!
March 25, 2023
Interesting adventures in a broad range of archaeological experiences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2016
Adam Ford is a real story teller with an interesting and humorous look at his own history and the world's with it. A great read for anyone with a passing interest in the past.
April 16, 2016
Finally, someone who gets it!! Someone who gets why archaeology is fascinating and who is dedicating his life to educating others about it. Pick me!! I will dig with you.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews