Encyclopedia of Archaeology: The Great Archaeologists [2 volumes]

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Description

From the Renaissance obsession with antiquities down to Tut-mania and Indiana Jones, the "romance" of archaeology has held universal attraction. Yet the great discoveries unearthed over the past 500 years are the result of day-to-day work in the field, laboratory, and library. An archaeologist is more likely to be armed with a dental pick than with a gun, more likely to be threatened by mosquitoes than by a pharaoh's curse. Created over almost 10 years and involving scholars from all over the world contributing articles on their areas of expertise, the five volumes of this encyclopedia aim to provide general readers with up-to-date information, to dispel myths and misconceptions, and to celebrate the vitality of an ever-evolving science. In this first set, some of the world's best known archaeologists have written 58 biographies of their predecessors. These essays constitute a history of archaeology from its beginnings in Renaissance antiquarianism down to the end of the 20th century. Arranged chronologically, the biographies begin with a brief summary of the subject's importance. Each essay discusses the life and contributions of the biographee, with a focus on his or her role in the development of archaeology as a discipline, and concludes with bibliographies of primary and secondary sources. Among the set's features are a historical introduction to archaeological biography, an alphabetical list of the biographies and a glossary of terms.

Reviews

"This superb two volume set significantly augments the pool of scientific biography extant within anthropology. Useful for social science reference collections in public and undergraduate libraries of all sizes." - American Reference Books Annual "These detailed yet readable profiles greatly enhance our knowledge of archaeologists and their lives. For all libraries." - Library Journal "A useful contribution to the history of archaeology, recommended for institutions with programs or course work in the subject." - Choice "Will make an invaluable addition to collections with an interest in archaeology or anthropology and is a recommended purchase." - Reference & User Services Quarterly "These volumes make a significant contribution to archaeological biography and the history of archaeology. The depth of treatment and the global range make them good value at the price." - The Library Association Record "These two volumes give a grand overview of the history of history... Recommended." - The Book Report

Author Bio

Tim Murray is professor of archaeology at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.