Milestones in Archaeology: A Chronological Encyclopedia, Vol. 1 Book

This engaging work uses key discoveries, events, people, techniques, and controversies to give the general reader a rich history of archaeology from its beginnings in the 16th century to the present.

James Langan - Library Journal

Murray (archaeology, La Trobe Univ., Melbourne, Australia; Encyclopedia of Archaeology: History and Discoveries) aims for an international scope, with an emphasis on Europe and Asia, in this thoroughly researched history of archaeology. Each of its three sections-"Birth of Archaeology," "Archaeology of Origins and Empires," and "World Archaeology"-is introduced with a 35- to 40-page essay that discusses ideas inherent in archaeology. These essays allow Murray the chance to explore further the concepts later expressed in the case studies and address how other authors have examined the subject. Chronologically ordered, the 200 case studies (one for each essay) follow the evolution of archaeology from its 15th-century beginnings, with the preservation of ancient statuary, to the early 21st century. Suggestions for further reading and a See alsosection ending each case study offer readers additional resource information. Because the case studies are shorter (generally one to four pages) and focus on only one event in archaeological history, they will probably appeal more to casual or curious readers than will the essays. Several maps display the approximate locations of historical archaeological discoveries, while black-and-white photos show the same as well as depict archaeologists.