Accidental Archaeologist: Memoirs of Jesse D. Jennings

by Jesse David Jennings

A founder of Great Basin archaeology, professor of anthropology for more than 40 years, founder and director of the Utah Museum of Natural History, director of the Glen Canyon salvage team and other famous excavations, Jennings is a legend in the archaeology profession. His autobiography offers a view of the field's crucial growth period and conveys his ethos about archaeology and how it should be done without embellishment or apology. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Genres: Biography

307 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1994

Reviews

[LAB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesse Jennings was a well-recognized name in the field of archaeology but until I read his memoir, Accidental Archaeologist (1994), I didn't fully appreciate the breadth of his influence. Field methods he used, young archaeologists he trained or worked beside, and college courses he taught all had at least a backdoor impact on my own career. I'd not given that much thought.

His career began when American archaeology was building its foundation in both the educational arena and within the federal government. He had only a few examples to follow so he invented things for himself. He guided pioneering work in the Colorado River canyon behind Glen Canyon Dam, was a major mover in the establishment of the Utah Natural History Museum, and was critical to the National Park Service's incorporation of archaeology in their resource management agenda.

Reading his memoir was like listening to him in a graduate student seminar. The book was well planned, supported with sufficient data to be illuminating without becoming tedious, and filled with personal opinions and insight. I enjoyed it.