"Few introductory volumes on archaeology have covered the entire scope of the field in as lively and entertaining a fashion as this short book....It would be useful as a reader in introductory archaeology classes. Professional archaeologists should also enjoy reading this book....Interesting....Refreshing."--Charles C. Boyd, Radford University<br> "Superb! Just the sort of fast-paced introduction one needs to help stoke the fires of one's students' curiosity."--John J. Shea, State University of New York at Stony Brook<br> "A series of acute and entertaining short essays on the subject's great themes....It is often said that well-written books are rare in archaeology, but this is a model of good writing for a general audience....Packed with information but never get[s] bogged down in too much detail....Its serious message--that archaeology can be a rich and fascinating subject--it gets across with more panache that any other book I know."--Simon Denison, Editor, British Archaeology<br> "A wonderful little text, well thought-out and informative. It puts it all in perspective."--Richard Veit, Monmouth College<br> "Bahn has produced a frank, easy to read, and colorful weekend tour of a vastly interesting, but frequently jargon-rich, scientific discipline. His personalized text puts even the most academic topics on a common level for all to enjoy, professional and enthusiast alike."--Jarrod Burks, Ohio State University<br>
INTRODUCTION; 1. THE ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY; 2. MAKING A DATE; 3. TECHNOLOGY; 4. HOW DID PEOPLE LIVE? 5. HOW DID PEOPLE THINK? 6. SETTLEMENT AND SOCIETY; 7. HOW AND WHY DID THINGS CHANGE? 8. MINORITIES AND SORORITIES; 9. PRESENTING THE PAST TO THE PUBLIC; 10. THE FUTURE OF THE PAST; FURTHER READING; INDEX