Product Description

This is a lively overview of the major ideas and concepts in archaeological theory.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #46172 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
"Johnson does not simply give an excellent introduction to the labyrinth of –isms that comprise contemporary archaeological theory. He also frames each competing theoretical strand in its historical context...Matthew Johnson has written a seminal textbook that is destined to become a classic and should become required reading for anyone wanting to become an archaeologist." American Journal of Archaeology.

"A very good introduction...It is written in an accessible, engaging style." Archaeology Ireland.

"Archaeological theory today consists of a bewildering variety of positions and perspectives, subtly interacting and ever changing. Mathew Johnson sheds considerable light on this complex landscape in his valuable new book Archaeological Theory: An Introduction. Written in an engaging and accessible manner, it provides an excellent account of the linkages between theory, practice, and intellectual context as it ranges from the origins of the New Archaeology to the emergence of contemporary positions such as feminism, poststructuralism, and phenomenology. I recommend it highly to students and colleagues alike." Robert W. Preucel, Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania.

"A genuinely accessible and lively ′route map′ to the developments in theory since the ′New Archaeology′ of the early 1960s ... This is a theoretical textbook that is a pleasure to read." Post–Medieval Archaeology.

Robert W. Preucel, Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania
An excellent account of the linkages between theory, practice, and intellectual context.

Post-Medieval Archaeology.
A genuinely accessible and lively 'route map' to the developments in theory since the 'New Archaeology' of the early 1960s.

Customer Reviews

A most worthy guide to the basics of archaeological theory
Johnson's book stands alone within the field of archaeological theory. It has the honorable title of being the most accessible book on archaeological theory, without doubt.

Contained within its pages is a text aimed at students, and those who need an easy to read guide to archaeological theory. It is written in a way as to explain why theory is relevant, something I questioned before reading this book.

Not only does he address all the relevant questions and themes in archaeological theory, but he does it in a manner that can be understood by someone with no grounding in theory whatsoever. Having some prior knowledge is useful, but unlike books such as Trigger's "A History of Archaeological Thought" (1989) it is not essential.

Obviously for a book of 200 pages, it does not go into huge detail about the topics it covers (pretty much all of them!) but it acts as a superb introduction, which is its purpose. Having read the relevant chapter in Johnson, one can move onto more detailed texts, which are far less accessible.

The only criticism I have for the book is its index, which could cover more terms that are mentioned in the book. However, with a good contents page, it is easy to find the chapter relating to the desired topic, and unlike most texts it is not a chore to read up to the point you need.

Therefore, this book is essential reading for anyone doing work on theory in archaeology, and should sit on the bookshelf of anyone who would ever need to know anything about the subject - something about just about every topic will be in there somewhere!

Excellent for students
Every student does it - you get your reading list and you go and buy everything on it, then you never even glance at most of the books again as they sit forlornly on the shelf, gathering dust.

Well, if this book is on your reading list then please, don't leave it on the bookshelf; pick it up and read it. Unlike most textbooks on the subject, this book is not overwhelmingly long. You can easily read a chapter on your chosen subject in depth in about half an hour - perfect for those last-minute essays!

Because of its size it is obviously not a comprehensive look at Archaeology - for that I suggest Renfrew and Bahn's Archaeology: Theory and Practice - but it is definitely one of the best starter books for students new to Archaeology.

Archaeological theory - Matthew Johnson
As an archaeology undergraduate, this is without doubt one of the best introductions to archaeological theory I have come across. Matthew Johnson uses a style that is both witty, incisive and informative. Complex issues are carefully explained and examples are critically chosen.

In addition to an entertaining and informative text, there is an extensive 'further reading' section which refers the reader to more detailed works, a large bibliography, detailed index and selective glossary.

I was a newcomer to the subject, but Johnson's style soon made me feel at home, and provided me with a springboard into further and more detailed reading. I would heartily recommend this book to students of archaeology at all levels.