Dug to Death: A Tale of Archaeological Method and Mayhem

by Adrian Praetzellis

Dr. Hannah Green―heroine of Praetzellis's textbook-as-novel Death by Theory ―has really gotten herself into trouble this time. The spunky archaeologist has been asked to manage the contract archaeology project at a historic site in New Zealand when the regular archaeological staff of University of Invercargill abruptly dies off. On the scene, Hannah discovers she needs to teach her team about research design, survey methods, archival research, professional ethics, curation, and especially field safety, if they are to complete the contract before young Mr. Wallace levels the site in favor of a golf course. With a cast of characters that includes Missy-Jojo-the-Dog-Faced-Girl as lab supervisor, erotic romance writer and field volunteer Elena Solara, the ghost of socialite Bunny Wallace, and shovelbum Rusty Spittle, Praetzellis' brief textbook-as-novel introduces students to the hows and whys of field methodology in an entertaining but informative way. Ideal for your introductory archaeology classes and probably the only textbook you'll enjoy reading yourself.

Genres: Archaeology, Fiction, Anthropology

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Michayla Peters]

This was another book that was a required read for the class. Even though I am an anthropology student, archaeology is far from my field of expertise. I took my historical archaeology class because it is something that I am truly interested in, even though it is not something I want to do with my life. "Dug to Death" was the perfect book to teach someone like me (meaning someone who does not understand archaeology no matter how many classes they take) about this subject. It is written in a light fashion, not over complicating things. The storyline keeps you drawn into the book, and although it is fiction, it has major realistic themes from the historical archaeology world.

[(╯`▭´）╯︵ ǝɔnɒꓷ]

It started off good, but then it became very dull and repetitive.

[Dean]

This book is not only a fun read, but reinvigorated my interest in archaeology and why its done. Sometimes when the chips are down and you feel rather jaded, an unpretentious read can reinforce your views while also reminding you that there are other perspectives within your vocation that are equally felt throughout the archaeological community. Great for the professional and the enthusiast.

[Keira F. Adams]

Didactic pseudo-novel on archaeology that I had to read for class.