The Practical Archaeologist, Second Edition: How We Know What We Know about the Past [Hardcover]

Jane R. McIntosh (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 081603950X | ISBN-13: 978-0816039500 | Publication Date: August 1999 | Edition: 2 Sub

The Practical Archaeologist is a vital reference to the practice of archaeology, both traditional and new. The author is a working archaeologist, and her enthusiasm for the topic shines through. The book piques readers' curiosity with more than 200 full-color and black-and-white photographs, drawings, and charts throughout. Detailed chapters explore archaeological history, topography, methodology, tools and technology, interpretive techniques, and a month-by-month diary of the Billingsgate dig in London, during which 16 centuries of history were uncovered.

New to this edition are such critical developments as: Computers and archaeology, including virtual reality reconstruction of buildings Processes relating to CAT scans, DNA, and the reconstruction of faces from skulls Underwater archaeology New theories about megaliths and studies of the bones they contain Maya agricultural discoveries and a new chronology of the Maya based on recently deciphered glyphic inscriptions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

. . .[an] enjoyable book. . . . Highly recommended. -- The Book Report, March/April 2000

Praise for the previous edition: "...a first rate book..." -- Scientific American

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File; 2 Sub edition (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081603950X
• ISBN-13: 978-0816039500
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,414,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb, beautifully illustrated overview of archaeology, September 2, 2002

By 

Catherine S. Vodrey (East Liverpool, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Practical Archaeologist: How We Know What We Know about the Past (Paperback)

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!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good, basic book on archaeology, October 25, 2001

By 

Debbie Lee Wesselmann (the Lehigh Valley, PA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Practical Archaeologist: How We Know What We Know About the Past (Hardcover)

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.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars kid-approved!, July 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Practical Archaeologist: How We Know What We Know about the Past (Paperback)

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.