Archaeology: Down to Earth, 3rd edition [Paperback]

David Hurst Thomas (Author), Robert L. Kelly (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0495008583 | ISBN-13: 978-0495008583 | Publication Date: January 5, 2006 | Edition: 3

This new brief edition pairs two of archaeology's most recognized names-- David Hurst Thomas of the American Museum of Natural History and Robert L. Kelly of the University of Wyoming-to bring a passionate, down-to-earth introduction to archaeological method and theory to the classroom. Designed both for students who intend on pursuing a career in archaeology, as well as those who do not, the authors give students a more immediate, concrete impression of what the practice of archaeology is all about. They include well-chosen examples that show how archaeologists have worked through actual problems in the field and in the lab. After using this text, students will be better able to ask questions, solve problems, and discern "truth" from "fiction." Students will not only learn about the nature of archaeological data and how archaeologists do such things as archaeological survey and excavation, they will also develop their sense of scientific logic and gain a better understanding of what career opportunities are available for archaeologists. This edition is enhanced with new pedagogical features, many more photos and a completely new design to help students prioritize and learn the material presented. A rich array of supplemental resources includes a new companion website, as well as the option to use a new CD-ROM, DOING FIELDWORK: ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEMONSTRATIONS also developed by the authors.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It is well-written, easy to read, comprehensive, accurate, up-to-date, and the concepts are explained in a generally fun manner. I very much liked the fresh (new to this text) perspective and examples provided by Kelly." --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

David Thomas has served since 1972 as Curator of Anthropology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. A specialist in Native American archaeology, Thomas discovered both Gatecliff Shelter (Nevada) and the lost 16th- and 17th-century Franciscan mission Santa Catalina de Guale on St. Catherine's Island, Georgia. Since 1998, he has led the excavation of Mission San Marcos near Santa Fe, New Mexico. A founding trustee of the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian since 1989, he has published extensively, including 100 papers and 30 books most recently, the best-selling SKULL WARS: KENNEWICK MAN, ARCHAEOLOGY, AND THE BATTLE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN IDENTITY. David is currently the head Principle Investigator for excavations in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As an archaeologist, Thomas likes "old stuff," including his 1961 Corvette, his 120-year-old house, and the Oakland Raiders.

Robert Kelly began collecting arrowheads in farmers' fields when he was 10 years old, and has participated in archaeological research since 1973 when he was a high school sophomore. He has worked on excavations in North and South America and conducted ethnographic research in Madagascar. He is currently conducting research into the Paleoindian archaeology of Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains. A former president of the Society for American Archaeology and a past secretary of the Archaeology Division of the American Anthropological Association, Kelly has published nearly 100 articles and books, including the 1996 Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Book THE FORAGING SPECTRUM: DIVERSITY IN HUNTING AND GATHERING SOCIETIES. Dr. Kelly has been Professor at the University of Wyoming since 1997.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 3 edition (January 5, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0495008583
• ISBN-13: 978-0495008583
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #409,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great textbook perfect for independent study!, July 23, 2007

By 

Christine Johnson "cljohnsonuk" (Maple Grove, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Archaeology: Down to Earth, 3rd edition (Paperback)

I'm taking this class via independent study and this book is a great read! It does not read like the normal text books at all.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Wrong edition sent, August 26, 2011

By 

Elizabeth - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Archaeology: Down to Earth (Paperback)

The picture on the posting suggested that I would be sent the fourth edition of this text. Nowhere else did it mention the edition, but because the picture was of the fourth edition, I didn't expect the third edition to arrive instead. I returned the item, and was extremely impressed with Amazon's handling of my return. I ended up buying the fourth edition from a bookstore near my university.

5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what I expected, January 11, 2012

By 

Joseppi - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Archaeology: Down to Earth (Paperback)

This book was said to be in very good condition and it was cheaper than if I had bought it in the campus bookstore. It came in the mail and after looking at it and using it, I can say that it is indeed in very good condition. A great purchase.