The Cambridge Companion to Historical Archaeology

Description

The Cambridge Companion to Historical Archaeology provides an overview of the international field of historical archaeology (c.AD 1500 to the present) through seventeen specially-commissioned essays from leading researchers in the field. The volume explores key themes in historical archaeology including documentary archaeology, the writing of historical archaeology, colonialism, capitalism, industrial archaeology, maritime archaeology, cultural resource management and urban archaeology. Three special sections explore the distinctive contributions of material culture studies, landscape archaeology and the archaeology of buildings and the household. Drawing on case studies from North America, Europe, Australasia, Africa and around the world, the volume captures the breadth and diversity of contemporary historical archaeology, considers archaeology's relationship with history, cultural anthropology and other periods of archaeological study, and provides clear introductions to alternative conceptions of the field. This book is essential reading for anyone studying or researching the material remains of the recent past.

Dan Hicks is Lecturer-Curator in Archaeology of the Modern Period at the School of Archaeology and Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford. He is also a Fellow of St Cross College, Oxford and a Research Fellow at the Department of Archaeology, Boston University. Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology, Boston University.

'One of the most intellectually lively areas of archaeology at the moment is that concerned with the modern world. A combination of the richness of the material, theory concerning human engagements with the material world and its ability to speak to current issues of identity makes historical archaeology both stimulating and controversial. This excellent book encapsulates all these key elements.' Chris Gosden, School of Archaeology, University of Oxford 'Written from the contextual approach, this volume shows that the right and the left in historical archaeology make a preferential treatment of the poor and of their place in an improved society. Thus, historical archaeology is far more unified than supposed. These overviews will guide professionals through central debates in historical archaeology with enough opinion to punctuate the field's development with both intelligence and provocation.' Mark P. Leone, Department of Anthropology, University of Maryland 'In The Cambridge Companion to Historical Archaeology, Dan Hicks and Mary Beaudry have produced exactly what is needed ... This book is perfectly pitched and well timed and shows us how as well as where to look for ourselves.' Times Higher Education Supplement 'The collection of 'passionate and personal' essays in The Cambridge Companion to Historical Archaeology provides a worthwhile general introduction to historical archaeology and a valuable theoretical and methodological source book. It presents a range of venerated and fresh case studies, and it will certainly serve as a stimulating resource for teaching.' South African Archaeological Bulletin '... valuable and timely ...' British Archaeology