Archaeology: A Brief Introduction

by Brian M. Fagan, Nadia Durrani

Archaeology is a jargon-free and accessible introduction to the field which details how archaeologists study the human past in all its fascinating diversity. Now in its twelfth edition, this classic textbook has been updated to reflect the latest research and new findings in the field. Reflecting the global scope of the discipline, the book has a truly international coverage of important discoveries and sites from many corners of the globe. Individual chapters examine archaeology and its history, considering the role of the archaeologist and how they discover, investigate and classify sites and artifacts.

This journey through archaeology also includes a discussion of important individuals and groups, and some of the ways in which archaeologists attempt to explain major social and cultural changes in the remote past. Archaeology ends with an outline of the complex world of cultural resource management and gives invaluable advice on how to become an archaeologist. Richly illustrated throughout, this popular and engaging textbook on archaeological methods has introduced generations of students to the captivating world of archaeology.

Genres: Archaeology, History, Nonfiction, Anthropology, College, Education, Reference

396 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Brian Murray Fagan was a British author of popular archaeology books and a professor emeritus of Anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my text book for my Introduction to Archaeology class and is the only text book I have ever enjoyed reading in my life. This is a book that I would pick up on an average day to read for fun. Brian Fagan's insights and storytelling are what make this book so great. He takes what could be tedious and mind-numbingly dull information and makes it enjoyable and even humorous.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avsnittene er korte og konsise, boka har god oppbygning, og et solid stikkordregister. Det er litt vel mye fokus på usa og søramerika - skulle ønske det var skrevet en europeisk versjon ...

[Jacob Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something of a textbook, but good for the layperson who wants to understand the discipline of archaeology and its findings.

I read this as part of my project to read one book from every aisle of Olin Library at Cornell; you can read my reactions to other books from the project here: https://jacobklehman.com/

A fuller review/reaction will follow on my website.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this read in my first year of Archaeo degree, so bought a second hand copy to have on my shelf.

[Brendan Steinhauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great primer on archaeology. It's concise, interesting, and well-written. The book is worth a read for anyone interested in the discipline.

[George]

i want to know the accidental discovery in archaeology