Guide to Artifacts of Colonial America

by Ivor Noël Hume

Here's an archaeologist's experience in the field and the museum--part history, part memoir, part buyer's guide. This book is an indispensable guide for the historian, the collector, the curious.

Genres: Archaeology, History, Nonfiction, Anthropology, American History, Science, Classics

330 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 1970

Reviews

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful! I can now identify different types of nails (not sarcasm). It is truly amazing the amount of nails you dig up lol

[Frederic · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of the most widely used references in historical archaeology; I've used it for over 20 years and recommended it to numerous students. Why only 2 stars then? Because it's actually pretty superficial, it's a decent starting point for many kinds of artifacts but lacks the detail for most that you need to really be thorough in analysis. And Noël Hume's anglophilia yields a bias in coverage that is particularly problematic in areas colonized by countries other than England. Still, a good introduction or starting point for many things - you just need to know, and go to, the more detailed studies where they're available.

[Maeve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like another reviewer said, a good book to get you started with some interesting background, but the information is skewed to the collector's bias. Too many drawings - should have just taken more photographs.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a historical archaeologist, this is one of about 5 texts I keep on my desk for handy reference. A fantastic reference guide for early American artifacts.

[Michal Wigal]

Overrated