Archaeological Theory in a Nutshell

by Adrian Praetzellis

Adrian Praetzellis provides a brief, readable introduction to contemporary theoretical models used in archaeology for the undergraduate or beginning graduate student. He demystifies a dozen flavors of contemporary theory for the theory-phobic reader, providing a short history of each, its application in archaeology, and an example of its use in recent work. The book
-teaches about different contemporary archaeological theories including postcolonialism, neoevolutionism, materiality, and queer theory;
-is written in accessible language with key examples for each theory;
-includes illustrations and cartoons by the author;
-provides questions at the end of each chapter to facilitate discussion.

Genres: Archaeology

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2015

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a good job of introducing the reader to the basics of archaeological and some anthropological theory. It does this through a humourful and enyable approach, reminds me of the style of writing of Anthropology of Religion: The Basics: The Basics by Bielo, though I think Praetzellis perfects his approach and makes reading about what can sometimes be a droll topic exciting. I wish sometimes that there were more detials, but there another book for that.

[Anna P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall it was a great book and the accessibility and ease made it all the better. I have some critiques on queer theory and the authors commentary about it being applicable to everything, when the queerness is a central part of queer theory. No mention of intersectionality either.

Thing theory I had a note or two, same with phenomenology, but overall it was a great introductory read to archaeological theory. Of course, the author tries to cover so much in limited space so it only makes sense to have some withdrawals.

[Mills College Library]

930.1 P8981 2015

[Travis Hamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasent read

Praetzellis manages to make the exploration of archaeological theory entertaining. His exposition informs while his humor makes the journey jouissance.