Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice

by Colin Renfrew, Paul Bahn, Paul G. Bahn

Buy new: $56.80 $29.99 Buy used: $1.17

Editorial Reviews

The third edition of this best-selling introduction to what archaeologists do and how they do it has been entirely revised and updated in the light of new views, discoveries, and data. Developments in the technology and scope of archaeology are reflected in an increased emphasis on aspects ranging from GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and information on the Internet to gender archaeology and the latest thinking on post-processualism and cognitive archaeology. The profound impact of advances in genetics and linguistics is assessed, and some sections of the book--the dating of rock art, for example--have been totally rewritten in the light of recent events.

Customer Reviews

Just What I Was Looking For, 2008-01-31
by Rebecca Stafford

I did a lot of research and finally got this one from the library, but I ordered it from Amazon.com about three chapters in because I loved it so much.

It covers each topic with in archaeology in good depth, but not too much information. There are great inlays with information on particular sites that illustrate the points discussed in the chapter. I have a minor in Archaeology and I found this book to be an excellent refresher and very interesting.

Perfect for beginners, 2005-09-21
by NeferAkhen (PR)

We were assigned to tests for my Principle of Archaeology class this semester. This one and the one from Sharer-Ashmore. I bought both of them. The material in both is specific, it covers all the major topics of the discipline and they are great.

What sets this one apart, is the format. It is easier for beginners to digest the information and is not filled with dense data that will end up confusing most who read. I would recommend it for both classes and for others who wish to know more about the discipline

Mother-in-law goes back to school, 2005-09-10
by Richard Weiss (Oakland, CA)

my 87 year old M-i-L is at SFSU this semester. Taking an Archaeology Methods course. The only thing I know about the book is it's damned expensive. Glad I could get it used from Amazon

This is a wonderful textbook., 2005-02-16
by Robert S. Vannrox (wrentham, ma United States)

It is well written, and lavishly illustrated. It is the kind of book that makes you want to get up and start an excavation. If you are interested in the past, and how to figure out the mysteries of the past, then this book is a gold mine. I loved the way that it took complex subjects and made them so easy to understand. Why it was enjoyable. What a wonderful and special book. I really recommend this book.

Excellent catalogue of just about anything in archaeolgy, 2004-03-27
by H. Jonkers (The Netherlands)

Renfrew and Bahn have set up great book, almost a catalogue, about archaeological practice. Fairly every subject they mention is laid out with great precision, and the accompanying schemes and pictures couldn't have been chosen better. If you like to dive into the subject of archaeology, whether it concerns its history, their dating methods, excavation practices, the goals archaeology pursues or whatever else, you can't go wrong here.