Vertebrate Taphonomy

Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology

by R. Lee Lyman

In recent years archaeologists and paleontologists have become increasingly interested in how and why vertebrate animal remains become, or do not become, fossils. Vertebrate Taphonomy introduces interested researchers to the wealth of analytical techniques developed by archaeologists and paleontologists to help them understand why prehistoric animal remains do or do not preserve, and why those that preserve appear the way they do. This book is comprehensive in scope, and will serve as an important work of reference for years to come.

Genres: Archaeology

550 pages, Hardcover

First published July 7, 1994

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I've only read the parts I needed, not the whole thing.

In general, its been really informative. I noticed a few mistakes, though they were more likely a mistake in editing (Wolf as Canis latrans, should be Canis lupus, as latrans is coyote). It could also use better diagrams of the species anatomy, as the drawings are not always clear (lines are too thick), and specific elements are non-existant/not present. Also, there are very few examples, expecially the single, "generalised" bird one.

As far as discussion, it can be dry, but generally easy to understand. The main issue is that it can go from very dense with almost too much information at once, to very drawn out, taking much longer to make a point than necessary (in my opinion). However, as I've already said, it's very informative.

Lyman discusses all possible issues with each topic, such as how to determine disarticulation, and the advantages/disadvantages. He also doesn't try to make assumptions where there is insufficient data, which is always nice, as it reflects on his credibility.

Overall, a great resource for archaeozoology.

[ornella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Las partes más divertidas fueron cuando le tiraba palos a arqueólogos o se ponía a hacer chistes sobre que no se puede comer mientras se lee este libro (tenía un poco de razón).

También datazo pero me puse a escuchar de nuevo toda la discografía de nct mientras leía este manual. Terminé el libro pero todavía me faltan como 300 canciones. Nada, un dato random.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a textbook, this was very informative. I am a freak, so I did go through and read the chapters that weren't required for class, but not being tested over that material kind of made it more enjoyable to read. :P

I'd recommend this as a good jumping-off point for reference material for students or professionals, but unless you're pretty science-minded, it would likely be boring and/or over your head to laymen. The language is pretty field-specific, and there is a lot of data represented that probably wouldn't make as much sense outside a classroom or professional context.

[Lee Broderick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of R. Lee Lyman's writing, which is dry to the point of being obscure. Additionally, this book is one of those oddities that crop up time and again in the field of specialist scientific textbooks - it's at once the most up to date review of it's subject but, now twenty years old, badly in need of updating.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

riddled with small mistakes and already out of date. This book wasn't worth the money, but it's the great textbook of our time. That being said, I learned a lot and it's a great way to immerse yourself in the Zooarchaeology paradigm.