Product Description

Here is the fifth edition of the bestselling introduction to archaeology, which has been adopted at hundreds of colleges and universities worldwide. It includes newly expanded summaries, coverage of all the most recent major developments in archaeological method, science, technology and theory, including gender archaeology, agency, materiality and engagement theory, and the latest GIS and survey techniques. Also discussed are such topics as genetics and linguistics and advances in dating methods. The book remains the most thorough introduction to archaeology on the market, and includes examples from every part of the world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40718 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 656 pages

Customer Reviews

Yes, the one to read
As a former archaeology student I know that the subject is as difficult as it is enticing. It demands a lot of reading and research, and a high level of understanding. But as with any subject, if you work hard at it, you can succeed. Renfrew and Bahn's "Archaeology:Theories, Methods and Practice" is an essential book to own for anyone in the field.......from students to lecturers, up to fieldworkers. As the top book on a University reading list for Archaeology, you will find everything you need to know in here. Do be careful, however, as this book has been written to accomodate all areas of an entire degree course, and does not specialise. If you are taking particular fields or interested in specialist archaeology i.e. underwater or Egyptology, I suggest a search under those respective titles on this website AND Amazon.COM, as many good publications on the subject come from the United States.

Buy this book for study or for hobby, it is well set out and has lots of interesting facts about past societies, archaeoogical techniques, and the history of the subject. Use it as the base for any query or study within the field, and you will not be disappointed.

Fantastic book to read before a degree
Before applying to study archaeology at university, I decided to read some recommended texts and this book popped up. When it arrived, my heart sank when I saw the size of it. However, when I opened it, it grabbed me from the first page. The layout is fantastic, the text is easy to read and there are plenty of pictures to go with it. It examines every part of archaeology from humans to environmental archaeology and there are real life case studies. Being interested in archaeology since I was little, I enjoyed it so much and it is great to read even if you are not going for a degree. I would recommend it to anyone who was interested in archaeology. After reading this book, I can't wait to start studying archaeology!

Archaeology students should read this book.
This is the set text for my archaeology degree and it is easy to see why. It is easy to read, accurate and it covers modern archaeological pratice and theory throughrly. However, it is an introduction and so it can only cover most things briefly. The bibliography and further reading sections are really excellent though, and always give you a place to go find out more.

If you're starting a archaeology degree READ THIS BOOK. I didn't bother and I wish I had.