Stones, Bones, and Ancient Cities [Hardcover]

Lawrence H. Robbins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1990

Here are riveting tales of the explorations and excavations, methods, lives, dreams, and triumphs of the men and women behind the great archaeological breakthroughs. This book reveals the astounding riches of antiquity, the milestones of human civilization, and the deepest secrets of our distant past. 16 pages of illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Describing 40 of the world's most dramatic archeological discoveries, Robbins, who teaches anthropology at Michigan State University, offers a comprehensive introduction to the field. In chapters arranged by finds (i.e., art, tombs, written records, etc.), he details major archeological expeditions. Emphasizing the single-mindedness of such figures as Louis Leakey, who sought human origins in East Africa; Howard Carter and Lord Carnavon, who searched for King Tut's tomb; and Heinrich Schliemann, determined to locate Homer's Troy--all of whom pursued their beliefs in face of widespread skepticism--Robbins also points out the role of happenstance in the unearthing of many of the world's great archeological discoveries. This even-toned survey, ranging far and wide but not too deep in any one spot, will be valued by newcomers to archeology. Well-versed readers will likely be more interested in the extensive bibliography.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This is a fun book. Unpretentious and straight-talking, it dispenses capsules of famous archaeological events with enough enteric coating of rumor and dig lore to make them tasty. Robbins groups his capsules into seven doses: early man; cave and rock art; grave discoveries; lost cities; water sites; stone circles and astroarchaeology; and early writings decoded. Each dose gives brief, highly select, and popularly told information on major finds in the category. One might question Robbins's choices here and there (e.g., a lot about Pompeii, already overcovered). But generally the selection is good, including finds like Ophir in Zimbabwe; the Alpine lake dwellings; and the Skudelev long ships. Chronologies of sites and discovery dates are appended. Not for the scholar, this is just what it professes to be--an undergraduate Gods, Graves and Scholars (by C.W. Ceram, Knopf, 1967; Random, 1986. pap.), designed to pique the interest of the novice.
- Jo-Ann D. Suleiman, SANAD Support Technologies, Rockville, Md.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 267 pages
• Publisher: St Martins Pr; 1st edition (July 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312044313
• ISBN-13: 978-0312044312
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #267,550 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Robbins is a master of archeology, June 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Stones, Bones, and Ancient Cities (Hardcover)

Explore wonderful stories of archeology written by Dr. Lawrence Robbins, one of the most respected men in his field. If you decide to read this book, you will never put it down. I consider this to be the the bible of archeology.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book by a great Professor, December 12, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Stones, Bones, and Ancient Cities (Hardcover)

I was lucky enough to have had one of Dr. Robbins classes at Michigan State University. His work is great because it is scholarly yet anyone can read it and understand it. His ability to make archaeology approachable to the masses is what makes this book so special. I highly reccomend it.