Description
Book SynopsisThis handbook, a companion to the authoritative Handbook of Archaeological Methods, gathers original, authoritative articles from leading archaeologists on all aspects of the latest thinking about archaeological theory. It is the definitive resource for understanding how to think about archaeology.
Trade ReviewThe Handbook of Archaeological Theories is a book that should be in every library as the default guide for the latest archaeological theory. The great majority of the chapters are well written by archaeologists, anthropologists and other scholars who were either the original architects of, or are currently engaged in, refitting and renovating archaeological theory. * Diplo: Towards more inclusive and effective diplomacy, December 2009 *
One thing that stands out about theory in today's archaeology is its incredible diversity. Nowhere is this diversity better treated than in this superbly edited collection that succeeds in doing what no other reference work has so far achieved: readers now have one source for comprehensive, authoritative, and practical discussions of the major theoretical perspectives in contemporary archaeology. The contributors are all well-known and respected experts from both North America and Europe. Following a useful introduction, the remaining 30 chapters are grouped into 5 parts: 'Research Paradigms,' 'Ideas from Neighboring Disciplines,' 'Research Concerns,' 'Contexts of Archaeological Study,' and 'Theory into Practice.' . . . Each chapter ends with a comprehensive bibliography, and the book concludes with a very helpful index. Although advanced undergraduate students will find this volume both useful and challenging, it will be of even greater value to graduate students and experienced scholars. . . . Essential. All academic libraries supporting instruction and research in archaeology. -- . * CHOICE, May 2008 *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: On Archaeological Theories Research Paradigms Culture History: A Culture-Historical Approach Processualism and After Ecology in Archaeology Classical Marxism Agency Darwinian Archaeologies Post-Processual Archaeology and After Ideas from Neighboring Disciplines History and Continental Approaches Latin American Archaeology in History and Practice Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology: Theoretical Dialogues Evolutionary Biological Methods and Cultural Data Archaeology and the Origins of Language Families Complexity Theory Research Concerns Stimulating Society Mind Materiality Ethnicity: Theoretical Approaches, Methodological Implications Gender Philosophy in Archaeology Contexts of Archaeological Study Cultural Resource Management Archaeology and Society Archaeological Ethics in Context and Practice Towards a Post-Colonial Archaeology of Indigenous Australia Theory into Practice Hunters and Gatherers The Origins and Spread of Agriculture The Archaeology of Rank Chiefdoms The Rise of the State Religion
