The Practical Archaeologist: How We Know What We Know about the Past

by Jane McIntosh

Book Overview

An introduction to the background history and principles of archaeology, the way the archaeologist works and the way in which modern archaeological techniques enable scientists to build up a more... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0816039518
• ISBN13: 9780816039517
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Facts on File
• Length: 186 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Pretty good detail

Although it has a kind of "Time-Life" book glitz, the docmumentation of history and method in archaeology is useful, if not as systematic or complete as one might wish. It covers a lot of good historical data and gives very useful diagrams, pictures and explanations. As a introductory read this book might be ideal.

A superb, beautifully illustrated overview of archaeology

Jane McIntosh's "The Practical Archaeologist" is a superb overview of archaeology for the lay reader. Although I don't have much of a scientific bent, I have always been fascinated by archaeology (probably too many Agatha Christie novels), and I treated myself to this many years ago to see if the real thing was as interesting as I imagined it to be. While nothing can completely convey the hard and tedious work that makes up the bulk of an archaeologist's days, McIntosh's book goes a long way towards clarifying the astonishing things all of us can learn from archaeology.The book is arranged chronologically, beginning with a chapter providing a broad idea of what archaeology can mean and its function in modern times. From there McIntosh moves deftly to excavation, processing "finds," and analyzing them. She covers both above-ground excavations and those below-ground, and even gets into oceanic archaeology. We learn about how excavation and preservation techniques have improved, while many of the archaeologist's most treasured tools--hands, sieves, and fine brushes--have remained much the same for centuries. This is a beautifully designed book. Color photographs, black-and-white photos, engravings, and sketches are skillfully combined with an easy-to-read text. This is an excellent introduction to archaeology for anyone who has even a remote interest in the subject--it's difficult to put down once you begin reading it. Highly recommended!

A good, basic book on archaeology

THE PRACTICAL ARCHAEOLGIST is a sound overview of the profession, from the tools used to dating methods to underwater techniques. Interpersed with the main text are intriguing sidebars about important finds - for me, the highlight of this book. Told in simple, easy to understand language, this book is geared for those with a casual interest in archaeology, or for high school students. Besides the simplicity (which may be a selling point for many), the main drawback of this book is the lack of discussion on recent finds, despite a copyright date of 1999.If you are considering studying archaeology, or if you have a passing interest in it, you'll find this book both useful and enjoyable; however, if you crave an in-depth study of the field, look elsewhere. Without doubt, this is an excellent starting point for budding archaeologists.

kid-approved!

My 14 year-old daughter and her friend attended a local archeology camp and this book was the "required text" for the sessions. They raved about the chapters and illustrations. I got a chance to read through it casually and decided it was worth buying to keep! It is a good overview of archeology around the world, covering many civilizations and is a pleasure to read. Lots of good pictures and photos.