Zooarchaeology (Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology) (Paperback)

~ Elizabeth J. Reitz (Author), Elizabeth S. Wing (Author) "Zooarchaeology refers to the study of animal remains from archaeological sites..." (more)
Key Phrases: archaeofaunal samples, deriving secondary data, zooarchaeological research, Hypothetical Collection, United States, Virginia Carter Steadman (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Reitz and Wing's superb book is a broad overview of the field of zooarchaeology, the study of animal bones from archaeological sites. The book's breadth is matched by highly detailed treatment of central topics...Reitz and Wing's excellent book sets the standard for the foreseeable future." Choice

"Reitz and Wing's new volume Zooarchaeology will be an essential and enthusiastically welcomed addition to the shelves of any zooarchaeological library. A superb introduction to the science of zooarchaeology, this volume provides compact, but often detailed discussions of salient points essential to the science. It is aimed primarily at the beginning zooarchaeologist, but nonetheless provides excellent reading for zooarchaeologists and archaeologists at any level. The volume manages to cover all bases in such a way that it will be valuable as either text or reference manual, while providing well-written and intriguing detail that will make it attractive to those with a more theoretical interest in the subject." Society for Archaeological Sciences Bulletin

"For many beginners and professionals alike then, Zooarchaeology can function as an informed entry point to the vast literature of zooarchaeology...It could also serve as core reading for a seminar on the interpretative potential of animal remains..." Richard G. Klein, Journal of Anthropological Research

Product Description

Most archaeological sites contain remains of animals. The identity and condition of these animals, represented by fragments of their skeletons or shells can provide invaluable information about past economies and the impact of humans on the environment in which they lived. This reference book for archaeology students and professionals, both in the field and the laboratory, is designed to help in the identification and analysis of animal bones, teeth, and other hard tissues, such as mollusk shells. Global in scope, the examples range from the Pleistocene to the nineteenth century.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 475 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (February 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521485290
• ISBN-13: 978-0521485296
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #207,075 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Zooarchaeologist's Bible!, July 20, 2001

By	Michael Slusher "Cheepnis" (NM, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Certainly the best overall book on the subject of Zooarchaeology. Useful for both the student and professional, it provides great detail on all aspects of this field and has many valuable references. It is superbly used as a textbook, and is a must-have for all archaeologists or anybody else that wishes to learn more about historic or prehistoric human interaction with animals. Dr. Wing founded the Zooarchaeology laboratories at the Florida Museum of Natural History (Gainesville, FL) and as curator, she is considered one of the leading experts in the field. Dr. Reitz is Director of Georgia's Museum of Natural History and is also highly regarded as a leading expert. I certainly keep this book at close hand on my reference shelf!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great source of info for beginners, March 23, 2006

By	A. Savarese "Four Books at a Time" (CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a valuable book for those that are new to the discipline of Anthropology, Archeology, or Zoology. This book is at a college level so be prepared for some heavy reading. This is an introductory book on these subjects so you will see a lot of sceintific terms you might now be familiar with. Overall this is an excellent book for learning about how Anthropologists and Archeologists approach their study of what they find on their digs.