author : Ian Hodder

An extensive introductory chapter provides a clear account of the main lines of theoretical development within archaeology, indicating current areas of debate and controversy. The book is then divided into seven sections each of which is prefaced by an introduction evaluating the nature of the selective contributions in the light of the history of the field. These sections are as follows: cultural ecology; political economy; evolutionary theory; symbolic and structuralist approaches; critical theory; engendering approaches; and archaeology and politics. The book contains 26 substantial readings divided equally between the sections and each prefaced by a detailed headnote. A final section is presented in the form of a dialogue, and is titled: “Theoretical Archaeological Discourse.”

This book will be a vital resource for students and teachers of archaeology throughout the world.