Neolithic

by Susan McCarter

This excellent introductory textbook describes and explains the origins of modern culture– the dawn of agriculture in the Neolithic area. Written in an easy-to-read style, this lively and engaging book familiarises the reader with essential archaeological and genetic terms and concepts, explores the latest evidence from scientific analyses as varied as deep sea coring, pollen identification, radiometric dating and DNA research, condensing them into an up-to-date academic account, specifically written to be clear even the novice reader. Focusing primarily on sites in southwest Asia, Neolithic addresses questions such Lavishly illustrated with almost a hundred images, this enjoyable book is an ideal introduction both for students of archaeology and for general readers interested in our past.

Genres: History, Prehistory, Science

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2007

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of the neolithic time period. it was perfect for an anthropology enthusiast like myself who is looking to learn more but doesn't yet have enough knowledge to dive into dense research papers and articles.

[shatine]

"Why did people invent agriculture?

One problem is that all the theorists assume that (in some way at least) human behavior is predictable. But current research in a number of fields suggests that human behavior is almost the opposite, and that many human decisions are illogical and unexpected."

Honestly, fair enough.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to go back and write an essay about what i learned, but this was a very cool intro to the neolithic.

Loved:
- agricultural domestication
- ceramic introduction
- burial rites
- religion and art section

Wish there was more on the giant henges like Gobekli Tepe and Stonehenge, but I'm sure I can dive in further there. Also would read a whole book about Catalhoyuk and neolithic art.

[Jacob Dayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise yet thorough overview of Neolithic cultures and archaeology. Highly informative and very fascinating!

[Filip · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book tries to shortly touch on all aspects of neolithic life:Lifestyle,culture,religion etc.It also depicts why the neolithic was the start of the modern civilization with the invention of agriculture.I learned a lot about archeology and their methods of identifying relics and attributing them to a certain culture or place.It's a really easy read compared to the similar "Inside the Neolithic Mind: Consciousness, Cosmos, and the Realm of the Gods by James David Lewis-Williams", even though the author uses an archaeological glossary,because the new terms are always explained.I enjoyed the book and i reccomend it to those interested in history like i am.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an exciting topic, and indeed difficult to create a grounding review of the many facets of the Neolithic. A worldwide exploration, however, was conducted by McCarter with the best intention. The book is epistemologically sound and offers a holistic overview of this crucial timeframe of humankind. I was expecting some further advances and more in-depth findings within the different sections. At times, it did feel too short, with many of the intriguing aspects left unanswered. Archaeology has had a dramatic evolution in recent decades, added by the many advances in technology. These advances are generally left out, making this book a fine introduction for the unaware reader, but fails to impress those with a keen and somewhat scholarly interest in the Mesolithic to Neolithic transition, as well as the large number of archaeological findings that pave such a spectacular picture of the overarching landscape of the Neolithic period. Nevertheless, an excellent book for those interested in starting to wander in the fascinating complexity of the Neolithic period.