Product Description

Chris Gerrard looks at the people and excavations that have been important in medieval archaeology and the core theory and methodology used, creating an essential text for all medieval archaeologists.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #387617 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Review
This is a well-written, interesting and informative book which should not only be on the shelves of every medieval archaeologist but should prove of interest to historians and prehistorians as well - Mick Aston, Bristol University and Co-presenter, Time Team, Channel 4 Television

From the Back Cover
The archaeology of the later Middle Ages is a comparatively new field of study in Britain. At a time when archaeology generally is experiencing a surge of popularity, our understanding of medieval settlement, artefacts, environment, buildings and landscapes has been revolutionised. Medieval archaeology is now taught widely throughout Europe and has secured a place in higher educations teaching across many disciplines.
In this book Gerrard examines the long and rich intellectual heritage of later medieval archaeology in England, Scotland and Wales and summarises its current position. Written in three parts, the author first discusses the origins of antiquarian, Victorian and later studies and explores the pervasive influence of the Romantic Movement and the Gothic Revival. The ideas and achievements of the 1930s are singled out as a springboard for later methodological and conceptual developments. Part II examines the emergence of medieval archaeology as a more coherent academic subject in the post

About the Author
Chris Gerrard is Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Durham. He is a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, a member of the Institute of Field Archaeologists and Monographs Editor for the Society of Mediaeval Archaeology.

Customer Reviews

The last word on Medieval Archaeology?
It's hard to find a book on archaeology that will retain your interest for more than a few pages, but at last a book has arrived that will keep you mesmerised! Gerrard weaves an astonishingly original view of the subject, laced with marvellous nuggets of information which help chart the growth of interest in the medieval period. In the past, authors have placed far too much store in a conservative academic narrative, but here Gerrard explodes the old traditions and forces us to accept what is undoubtedly the new order of things. This work is ground-breaking and if you're an archaeologist interested in the subject, it'll change your life. Call me crazy, but this has to be the last word on medieval archaeology.

Essential for Medieval Archaeologists and Historians
Medieval archaeology has for too long been the poor relation in Archaeology, with most of the running being undertaken for many years by historians. However, there is growing interest and knowledge in this vital period and it is evident that the application of archaeological techniques can provide vital insights into medieval life in areas where no traditional historical source can compete. This well written book summarises the development of the interest in medieval archaeology as well as the most recent research and challenges for the future. An easy read with something for the casually interested although evidently written for a knowledgeable readership, I would strongly recommend this to all interested in the medieval period.