Product Description

In its original edition, Bruce Trigger’s book was the first ever to examine the history of archaeological thought from medieval times to the present in world-wide perspective. Now, in this new edition, he both updates the original work and introduces new archaeological perspectives and concerns. At once stimulating and even-handed, it places the development of archaeological thought and theory throughout within a broad social and intellectual framework. The successive but interacting trends apparent in archaeological thought are defined and the author seeks to determine the extent to which these trends were a reflection of the personal and collective interests of archaeologists as these relate - in the West at least - to the fluctuating fortunes of the middle classes. While subjective influences have been powerful, Professor Trigger argues that the gradual accumulation of archaeological data has exercised a growing constraint on interpretation. In turn, this has increased the objectivity of archaeological research and enhanced its value for understanding the entire span of human history and the human condition in general.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #81533 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 730 pages

Review
From the previous edition: 'This is a work which all thinking archaeologists will wish to have on their shelves.' Colin Renfrew, Nature ' ... a substantial update ...' Journal of Medieval Archaeology '... remains the very best macro-history available.' Cambridge Archaeological Journal

Review
From the previous edition: 'This is a work which all thinking archaeologists will wish to have on their shelves.' Colin Renfrew, Nature

' … a substantial update …' Journal of Medieval Archaeology

'… remains the very best macro-history available.' Cambridge Archaeological Journal

Synopsis
In its original edition, Bruce Trigger's book was the first ever to examine the history of archaeological thought from medieval times to the present in world-wide perspective. Now, in this new edition, he both updates the original work and introduces new archaeological perspectives and concerns. At once stimulating and even-handed, it places the development of archaeological thought and theory throughout within a broad social and intellectual framework. The successive but interacting trends apparent in archaeological thought are defined and the author seeks to determine the extent to which these trends were a reflection of the personal and collective interests of archaeologists as these relate - in the West at least - to the fluctuating fortunes of the middle classes. While subjective influences have been powerful, Professor Trigger argues that the gradual accumulation of archaeological data has exercised a growing constraint on interpretation. In turn, this has increased the objectivity of archaeological research and enhanced its value for understanding the entire span of human history and the human condition in general.

Customer Reviews

A leading text of its kind
Trigger's book has not been out of print since its publication in 1989 which should stand to show how important this book is. Though some may not like the narrative historical style of its presentation others will not only like this but may be looking for this type of clear and concise book for their university/college course, or simply for personal interest.
This is an important book for understanding the development of archaeology, which is key to understanding why archaeologists excavated in certain ways or interpret the past different based on their ideological or cultural backgrounds.

Bland and Boring.
I bought this for my degree along with Matthew Johnson's "Archaeological Theory: An Introduction."

I read Johnson's book and loved it; I read this and loathed it. It is, as the title of this review suggests, boring and bland and, quite frankly, is not a needed buy. Everything you need to know about 'archaeological thought' or theory is in Johnson's book.

Don't buy this if you want an interesting and informative read.

-all archaeologists should understand their own discipline-
Bruce Trigger's book deals with the genesis of archaeology up to the beginnings of post-processualism. Particularly strong on functionalism and the New Archaeology, it also very useful in describing the development of archaeology in its early stages. There are some omissions, such as the increasingly popular archaeological study of gender, but in general a wide approach covering archaeology in Britain, America and Europe. This book is vital for undergrad students and anyone wishing to learm more about what it is we study.