Discovering Our Past: A Brief Introduction to Archaeology

by Wendy Ashmore, Robert J. Sharer

This brief, inexpensive introduction to the techniques, methods, and theoretical frameworks of contemporary archaeology follows the same organizing principle as the text Discovering Our Past but features less detail. Archaeological methods and theory are covered comprehensively--at a reasonable level of detail--in under 300 pages. Illustrative examples and case studies present a temporal and geographic balance of both Old and New World sites. Abundant student aids include maps of archaeological areas, extensive illustrations, chapter introductions and summaries, a guide to further reading at the end of each chapter, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index.

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

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1988

Reviews

[Rusty del Norte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discovering our Past, by Wendy Ashmore, is a book about exploring the field of archaeology. This book is not intended to be a survey of past discoveries & important people (though there there is some of that). Bbut instead a book explaining how this field works both on the site & off.

The first part deals with the outline of the field. Time frames, methods, & schools of thought are described for the reader. It lays the foundation. The middle section has to deal more with what is on the ground. Technologies, techniques, & methodologies are given more deatil to show what all is needed (or can be used) for an excavation.

The final part is about applying archaeology to a variety methods, fields of study, & importance to today. Newer approaches help reinterpret the past that can compliment the other ways.

Overall, it an read a bit wooden. But, this book was not written with the casual reader in mind. Instead, its a way of getting you ready to explore this field as, when combined with other fields of study, show it is more important than ever.

[Jaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

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