Great Excavations: Tales of Early Southwestern Archaeology, 1888-1939

By Melinda Elliott

Book Overview

The magnificent ruins of the prehistoric peoples of the American Southwest have always been a source of wonder and awe. But the stories of the men and women who devoted their lives to the discovery and study of these lost cultures and the places they called home have never before been adequately told. Now, in Great Excavations , journalist and researcher Melinda Elliott uncovers the crucial and exciting role played by the great archaeologists of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in unearthing the Southwest's prehistoric past. With chapters on Mesa Verde, Pecos Pueblo, Aztec Ruin, Hawikuh, Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon, Snaketown, Awatovi, and the Rainbow Bridge-Monument Valley Expedition.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0933452438
• ISBN13: 9780933452435
• Release Date: August 1995
• Publisher: School for Advanced Research Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Southwestern Archeology treasure

This is one of my all time favorite Southwestern archeology texts. The author does a wonderful work of weaving historical and archeological information into an extremely interesting read. I first read this book while living in the Four Corners area and I return to it again and again. Readers will find this very informative, but not cumbersome.

discovering the discoverers

When I look at southwestern Amerindian ruins, I always wonder how they must have appeared to the first archeologists and what their reactions and approaches might have been. Many of the ruins have been cleaned up and partially rebuilt so it is hard to imagine the thrill that might have filled the minds of those who found many of these sites as only mounds barely standing above the surface of the terrain. Elliot introduces us to the personalities and techniques of the men and women who were captivated by desert discoveries in the 19th and early 20th centuries. There's plenty of human interest as we learn of rivalries, pride and adversity under the primitive conditions early excavators faced. Background is always provided so that the reader can understand why each ruin had a particular attraction for archeologists. You'll also find out how attitudes toward ancient ruins have changed as have the physical techniques used to reveal them. Plenty of black and white historical photos illuminate the text. I'd highly recommend reading this book before going on your own exploration of the southwestern ruins as it will help you appreciate them even more.