Bioarchaeology

Clark Spencer Larsen is the Distinguished Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. His research is primarily focussed on biocultural adaptation in the last 10,000 years of human evolution, with particular emphasis on the history of health, well-being, and lifestyle. He collaborates internationally in the study of ancient skeletons in order to track health changes since the late Paleolithic. He is the author of 200 scientific articles and has authored or edited 30 books and monographs.

'This new second edition of Clark Spencer Larsen's classic text Bioarchaeology presents an impressive synthesis of new methodology and information gleaned from analysis. Written by one of our most accomplished practitioners, this text is a must-read for anyone who seeks a comprehensive overview of this dynamic field. Although the author indicates he 'cherry-picked' the literature in assembling this volume, the reference list is extensive and indicative of the depth of research reflected in this new edition.' Doug Ubelaker, forensic anthropologist

• Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Stress and deprivation during growth and development and adulthood; 3. Exposure to infectious pathogens; 4. Injury and violence; 5. Activity patterns 1: articular degenerative conditions and musculo-skeletal modifications; 6. Activity patterns 2: structural adaptation; 7. Masticatory and nonmasticatory functions: craniofacial adaptation to mechanical loading; 8. Isotopic and elemental signatures of diet, nutrition, and life history; 9. Biological distance and historical dimensions of skeletal variation; 10. Bioarchaeological paleodemography: interpreting age-at-death structures; 11. Bioarchaeology: skeletons in context; 12. References; Index.