Customer Reviews

American Flintknappers: Stone Age Art in the Age of Computers

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

John C. Whittaker never fails to capture the essence of scientifically studying modern day flint-knapping. This new book is a progression from his 1994 work on how to make stone tools. It is a leap forward in a fascinating area of archaeology and anthropology, especially when there is a growing concern for the depletion of silicate resources. Dr. Whittaker is a pure scientist who is always thinking of how stone tools can be scientifically studied, and is always innovative in his research approach, rendering his work successful and resourceful. It is also nice to see that Dr. Michael Stafford is well represented, a master flint-knapper whom I`ve had an opportunity to study under. Dr. Whittaker also has in his new book, raw demographic data from sociological surveys, continuing a tradition that he and Dr. Stafford started in 1998 with their research on Fakes. This sociological approach reveals a great deal of important data for student researchers, and should not be overlooked when writing on the subject of stone tools. This book has wonderful color pages in its' center and shows an amazing variety of raw materials commonly used by knappers. John C. Whittaker is fast becoming the leading professor on this subject, and deserves all the attention he receives. Great work John!

Very interesting view of the "inside" of the knapping circles..including knap-in's ...lots of great color photographs of beautifully knapped points in exotic materials, as well as close reproductions of American Indian points. Lots of photos of well known knappers, interesting statistics on knapping. Lots of really neat stuff if you are interested in knapping at all, you should buy this one.

American Flintknappers is an American classic. This book is an amazing journey through the strange subculture of American Flintknappers. From an
anthropologists set of eyes. A journey through the past, of men who followed the way of the stone. From Ishi to flake over grinding, the whole experience is here and when you read it you will be there too. Ray Harwood, Western Lithics.

After reading the book, I was disapointed that it did not contain more "how to" flintknapping info.The author has written an excellent book on flint knapping methods.This book was very ' folksy' With too many anecdotal stories about knap-ins, and the modern flint knapping world,with almost no methods on flintknapping.Again ,not what I expected, and I wish I could have read my own review, as I would not have purchased the book.I gave the book a two star rating only for the photos of knapped peices.