Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: History / Ancient / Egypt; History / Ancient / Egypt; Social Science / Archaeology; ... Read more

Product Description
In France, a country that awards its intellectuals the status other countries give their rock stars, Michel Foucault was part of a glittering generation of thinkers, one which also included Sartre, de Beauvoir and Deleuze. One of the great intellectual heroes of the twentieth century, Foucault was a man whose passion and reason were at the service of nearly every progressive cause of his time. From law and order, to mental health, to power and knowledge, he spearheaded public awareness of the dynamics that hold us all in thrall to a few powerful ideologies and interests. Arguably his finest work, Archaeology of Knowledge is a challenging but fantastically rewarding introduction to his ideas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

The worst sort of literary self-indulgence
A friend who found Foucault's The Order of Things useful and interesting recommended that I give the Archaeology of Knowledge a try.I had enjoyed his first book, Madness and Civilization, so I took up the challenge.

I spent an extremely frustrating month trying to make sense of The Archaeology and then gave up.From the first page on Foucault uses totally unfamiliar concepts in a vocabulary loaded with neologisms which he neither defines nor references.Since the concepts are used in extraordinarily complex locutions, invariably along with other idiosyncratically opaque terminology, it seems impossible to discern their meaning from the context in which they occur.

I have since been advised that The Archaeology of Knowledge is much more approachable for one who has read everything else that Foucault has written, and who has also mastered Derrida and Kristeva.That may be true, but it's not a risk I'm willing to take.Even if I did eventually manage to decipher the code used in producing The Archaeology, I doubt that the intellectual payoff would be substantial.Foucault is the kind of author who delights in keeping people guessing, making sure that no one can ever be certain as to his meaning.It all sounds very profound, but what does it mean.When all is said and done, Foucault wants to keep us off balance, uncertain, but somehow deeply impressed, as in "Perhaps this is what Foucault means by discursive formation!Ah ha!"Or, "Oh, I see:dispersion refers to the post-structuralist notion that any signifier is inevitably modified by an infinitely large number of other signifiers, so its meaning is never absolute... I think ..."But we're never sure.

I have since read interviews with Foucault written when he was at his most influential.Success seems to have been an intoxicating experience for him, and he indulged himself in a sort of yes-I-am, no-I'm-not obfuscation.There is a common and suitably profane English term for this, head-[blanking], sufficiently familiar so that most readers can fill in the blank.Readers who find virtue in head-[blanking] by construing it as an instance of "the death of the author" are kidding themselves.An author who writes an incomprehensible book that somehow gets to be taken very seriously is not dead, but very much in control.

In any case, I'm sure that The Archaeology of Knowledge will have a long life in references and indexes as Foucault's major methodological work.Learned people, moreover, will purport to discern its meaning and will discuss it with ease and assurance.

I had a similar experience 30 years ago when I studied ethnomethodology.I could talk about it with facility and self-satisfaction, but I couldn't shake the vague suspicion that I had merely become adept at exchanging utterances in a shared but meaningless logic of head-[blanking].

As an addendum, an irate reader of this review took me to task for evaluating a book that I do not have the conceptual wherewithal to appreciate.He may have a point, but I've read Habermas, Eagleton, Anthony Giddens, Peter Berger, and other contemporary social and cultural theorists with little difficulty, so I don't think it's unreasonable to expect to be able to make some sense of Foucault.

A tough read
My sympathies to anyone who has to read this.This was something I had attempted to read on recommendation of a professor.Later on in my graduate studies I had to read it.It is a required reading for anyone studying rhetoric.If you can get through it, you are destined for greatness.It is reading that requires intense concentration and no interruptions!

Obtuse but important
Foucault is not a light read - you will spend several hours just trying to interpret this text.His wording is unusual and complicated, and sentences can run on for almost a paragraph.Sometimes you'll just want to tear your hair out.

Nonetheless, this book is important.The theories Foucault presents in this book, while nearly impossible to cite correcly, do reappear in many modern texts, especially ones about modern literature or the academy.My suggestion is you read it with the assistence of others, preferably including someone with more academic experience (i.e. a professor.)

Foucault on Facts
Viewed against the background of Foucault's other books, *The Archaeology of Knowledge* is a curious work. In it, Foucault not only explicates the results of his early books on madness, medicine, and the history of the human sciences: he also offers programmatic statements that link up his methods with the main stream of 20th-century French historical researches. The *episteme* linking seemingly disparate fields of inquiry is here explicitly presented against the background of Ferdinand Braudel's *duree*, and other famed devices for recontextualizing historical facts. For Foucault is intent on demonstrating his method without reference to (*against*) the philosophical luminaries that had until then monopolized such meta-theory.

The uninformed, and perhaps some of the informed, may be surprised to find Foucault actually considering the fact itself: hardly a promising beginning for showing how everything seemingly natural about social life hinges on systems of power. But it is precisely the historical fact that Foucault is concerned with, the dry, value-free content of the "archive": he is interested in the conditions of the possibility of grasping the events of the world in the manner of the historian, and proceeds to elaborate a system for comparing and construing such data without reference to processes of consciousness or any other valorizing quantity from outside history.

He proceeds to do this by elaborating a pragmatics of discourse quite unlike linguistics of the Saussurean (or Gricean) variety, studying how contexts of information combine to produce a happening intelligible as an event, not only as a linguistic counter or evidence of an intention. His analysis strongly resembles that of the celebrated Thomas Kuhn, who in truth aimed not to relativize science but to explain its true "background" in actual scientific practice. Drawing many examples from (and correcting naivete in) his books *History of Madness*, *Birth of the Clinic* and *The Order of Things*, Foucault attempts to show how an intellectual history can carefully collate and juxtapose historical information without imposing an idealizing "mentality" on the originators of a discourse.

Recapping as it does his work of the Sixties, fans of Foucault's analyses in *Discipline and Punish* and *The History of Sexuality* may expect this book represents only "transitional" views of Foucault's, later discarded in favor of a full-blooded Nietzschean pursuit of power relations. But "genealogical" theories are not ignored here, particularly in Foucault's inaugural address for the College de France, "The Order of Discourse", generously included at the end of this volume. It is true that Foucault's theory does not represent the program of a "history of truth" elaborated in "Truth and Juridical Forms", early lectures on the history of the penal system included in volume 3 of the New Press's *Essential Works*. But by the same token those interested in the French social theorists who preceded Foucault will find that Foucault's engagement with their problems, especially those of his teacher Althusser, is here much more explicit than elsewhere.

In conclusion, this book is unlikely to grab you unless you have already made a significant investment in Foucault, or "contemporary" history more generally. But for anyone who has indeed spent some time thinking about such things, this book is an anodyne statement of important and influential views about history and how it is done.

Indispensible
Do not be fooled by those who dismiss this as a mere curiousity in Foucault's oeuvre.This difficult work is absolutely essential for understanding his central concept of 'discourse'.All of his works are better understood after a careful reading of this difficult work; this is true even for the later 'geneaological' works. ... Read more

Product Description
When one defines order as a sorting of priorities, it becomes beautifully clear as to what Foucault is doing here. With virtuoso showmanship, he weaves an intensely complex history of thought. He dips into literature, art, economics and even biology in The Order of Things, possibly one of the most significant, yet most overlooked, works of the twentieth century. Eclipsed by his later work on power and discourse, nonetheless it was The Order of Things that established Foucault's reputation as an intellectual giant. Pirouetting around the outer edge of language, Foucault unsettles the surface of literary writing. In describing the limitations of our usual taxonomies, he opens the door onto a whole new system of thought, one ripe with what he calls exotic charm. Intellectual pyrotechnics from the master of critical thinking, this book is crucial reading for those who wish to gain insight into that odd beast called Postmodernism, and a must for any fan of Foucault. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A must-have background reference for any thorough-going post-modernist criticism
I think most scholars and educators in the history of philosophy would put this in the top ten most important philosophical works of the latter half of the 20th Century, despite whether one largely agrees with Foucault's views or not.

This is because the work has had enormous influence not just in philosophy, but also in literary criticism, historiography, social psychology, theology, and a host of other disciplines within the humanities and social sciences.

What I think is interesting is that if you are either a friend or foe of deconstructionism, you will find plenty to appreciate in this book.In fact, even if you can't stand (or can't understand) what deconstruction is all about, you can safely give Foucault a try.Though very heavy reading, he is far more structured and organized in his argumentation than, say, Derrida.

If post-modern meta-theory (i.e. discussion of how we might take a step back and judge whether the very principles of how we form theories may be called into question) is of interest to you, in any field, then you probably will be glad for having read this book.

About this edition: It's a shame they did not keep the print of the painting, Las Meninas, on the cover -- as an older paperback version had borne.Foucault talks about this painting at length in the book, and there is no replacement for seeing it.A black-and-white print on the inside is not nearly as nice as the larger, color one that was on previous covers.

The key to postmodernism
This was an eye-opener for me. Not so much that Foucault's insights are convincing, but in reading him I achieved a first glimpse of how much of the language used by academic writers conversant in "theory" is taken from this book. After a little time spent reading this, I felt more comfortable with academic writing. Not so much that I understand better what the scholars are saying, but it's now clearer whom they are parroting. It consequently lets me know where an author's allegiance lies.

Amusing diversion
More a curiosity and an exploration in the mental discipline of standing rigor up to total relativism. Read this classic if you're (a) interested in the roots of the nascent deconstruction movement (b) thick skinned enough not to be distracted by the author's biases.

I read it out of a desire to see my suppositions challenged; it succeeded well for that.

Review specific to Random House / Vintage printing only
The 1994 Random House / Vintage edition astonishingly does not include an index.Without an index, the text is virtually useless for students and academics.One is forced to rely on Google Books in order to find terms in the text.If you intend to use this book for anything more than casual reading, avoid this edition.

read it
This book has dramatically changed the way I conceptualize reality.It is hard to follow but incredibly insightful. It will hurt to get through but once you do, you might consider practising your best Mr.Universe pose and claiming -- in the words of the the "Governator" --"No pain, no gain."

I recommend the following steps to understanding this book:
1) read once;
2) see a psychiatrist;
3) read again;
4) think;
5) read again
6) understand.

Im only considering step two. I might just skip it and go strait to step 3.

Good luck. ... Read more

Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Product Description
In this passionate, down-to-earth introduction to archaeological method and theory, the authors present a welcome alternative to the third-person accounts found in other archaeology books on the market. By including their own fieldwork among the many examples, these authors offer their readers real, exciting insights into the practice of archaeology today. This book emphasizes the importance of seeking multiple perspectives and explanations to understand the past. The Fourth Edition features a new full-color design that enhances key points of the book's many images. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good Read, Very Helpful with college course
Archaeology: Down to Earth
This book is targeted for a college audience and is quite descriptive of what terms are important and what to look at in the field. Would recommend it to any college professor or student.

Alright
This book has some interesting anecdotes, but it can be hard to follow. The topic is VERY introductory.

Great textbook perfect for independent study!
I'm taking this class via independent study and this book is a great read!It does not read like the normal text books at all. ... Read more

Product Description
Twenty-five projects such as making a surface survey of a site, building a screen for sifting dirt and debris at a dig, tracking soil age by color, and counting tree rings to date a find teach kids the techniques that unearthed Neanderthal caves, Tutankhamun's tomb, the city of Pompeii, and Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec empire. Kids will delight in fashioning a stone-age tool, playing a serialization game with old photographs of cars, "reading" objects excavated in their own backyards, and using patent numbers to date modern artifacts as they gain an overview of human history and the science that brings it back to life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Archaeology can be fun
I purchased this for our 12 year old daughter along with several other books on Archaeology for her use during our "Independent Activities Period" over the summer.I read through it quickly and found it generally well written and interesting.I would have liked more text on how archaeologists do their work, more details on the discovery processes, and more describing how a small fragment is used to reconstruct the original.My impressions is that the book is written more for the High School crowd.She is reading about a chapter a day and asks good questions over the material.Overall, I'm pleased with the purchase.

A great set of practical activities for teaching students about archaeology
"Archeology for Kids: Uncovering the Mysteries of Our Past" is intended to foster a curiosity about this particular science in budding archeologists.Richard Panchyk begins with a Time Line that starts in 65 million B.C. when the last dinosaurs died out and ends in 1997 when a new Egyptian burial ground was found, containing almost 10,000 mummies.Actually it is not the end of the dinosaurs but the first Ramapithecus, Australopithecus and other human ancestors that matter more because this time focus on not only key historic events such as the end of Roman Empire and the American Civil War, but key events in the field of archeology, such as when Schliemann began searching for the city of Troy and the Australopithecus remains of "Lucy" being found.This will give teachers an idea of where (and when) this book can be helpful in teaching about the past to today's students.Then there are the more than 25 activities that will help those young students understand archeology and the ancient cultures that have been uncovered.

Panchyk beings with an Introduction addressing the question, What Is Archaeology?The short answer is that archeology is the best tool we have for solving the mysteries of ancient lives.The goal of this book is to teach young students about how archaeologists work and what they have discovered (so far) about the past.That is why the first chapter outlines the eight basic steps of archeology, which begins with the question "What do you want to find?" and ends with the preservation of what you find.In between we learn that having money is just as important as engaging in excavation.Once you know the basics of the science, then you can look at six particular periods and places of ancient history that have been studied in this manner.

Chapter 2 is devoted to The First People and has activities for making molds of footprints and a spark in the dark, measuring brain capacity, and how to create stone tools.You can see that these are real world activities.There is also a section that explains why most archaeological sites are underground even if ancient people did not live there.Chapter 3, The Ice Age and the New Stone Age, includes an experiment to see what sort of items are preserved well in ice, building a Paleolithic fireplace, making cave art and a microlith tool, experimenting with agriculture, and an exercise to see what we can learn from finding animal bones about diet and lifestyle.Chapter 4, The First Civilizations, focuses on Sumeria, Babylon and Egypt, and has a pair of interesting sidebars, one that lists some of the common remains of civilizations that can be used to identify them and another concerning independent invention of things like makeup and writing.This chapter includes a seriation game (putting things in date order), a problem involving what happens when different people have different money and want to buy things from each other, an exercise involving pottery classification, and how to build your own screen for sifting artifacts.

Chapter 5 is about Greece and Rome, and off of Schlimeann's discovery of what he believe to be Troy there is the first part of a stratigraphy game.You will also find an underwater archaeology game and instructions on how to make an oil lamp.Chapter 6 is about discovering The New World and has assignments for finding the circumference of an artifact and a lesson on how to preserve artifacts, along with the second part of the stratigraphy game.The final chapter is about Historical Archaeology, and deals with the science as it applies to studying what happened only a couple of hundred years ago rather than thousands of years in the past.Reading historical maps, finding a historical site, figuring out tree rings, creating a time capsule, using historical documents, and learning about occupations from things like city directories and phone books, are the final activities.The back of the book includes a Glossary of key terms (e.g, "artifact," "superposition"), Web Sites for Further Exploration, and a Bibliography.

"Archaeology for Kids" is intended for kids ages 9 and up, and if there is an activity book in this series that has more practical and real world activities than this one, it does not come to mind.I am sure that teachers could adapt most of these activities to other times and places so that they are not just of use in studying the most ancient cultures.This entire series of activities books from Chicago Review Press are excellent supplemental books for teachers covering a wide range of subjects."Archaeology for Kids" is one of four volume beginning with an "A," the others being "Africa for Kids," "American Folk Art for Kids," and "The American Revolution for Kids."Teachers who are looking for educational activities should check out the entire catalogue of books because they are sure to find several that will prove useful. ... Read more

Product Description
Archaeological discoveries can shed a flood of light on the biblical text. This richly illustrated resource, now available in paperback, offers illuminating archaeological information related to the Old Testament.In this readable and accessible volume, Alfred Hoerth surveys the entire Old Testament, pointing out the relevant archaeological material and explaining how it enriches biblical studies. In an attempt to bridge the Old and New Testament worlds, he devotes the final chapter to an examination of the intertestamental period. The text boasts over 250 illustrative items--charts, photographs, line drawings, and maps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Review of Hoerth's 'Archaeology and the Old Testament'
Wow, this covers everything. Hoerth presents a massive compendium of archaeological theory, discusses essentially every major piece of evidence, every remaining argument, and every recent consensus in the field. His writing considers internal and external evidence -- the Bible, but also archaeological tells. His writing is readable, and, occasionally, engaging. It is possible to compare this to Oxford's 'History of the Biblical World,' although Hoerth did this all by himself, and is more willing to discuss controversy.

review for book
The book was good as new. It even had the new book smell :) The reason I gave you 4 stars is I thought the book was slightly expensive and had friends who found it cheaper on ebay. Thanks for getting it to me so quickly.

Good book for details
This book provides insights into the ancient world with photos of archaeological finds and sites that relate to the Bible.The text is scholarly, but readable for the amateur.

Old Testament History & Archaeology
Alfred Hoerth has produced one of the best books on OT history. This is a valuable college/seminary level reference source which should be a "must" as Bible student personal resource.

Hoerth is appropriately supporting the early date of Exodus (based on First Kings 6:1 and Judges 11:26, mainly)and extrabiblical history.

I highly recommend to acquaire this Hoerth's work as a profitable investment.

Makes the OT Real
I'm a layman (engineer) who has often taught the Word of God. I think this book is outstanding. It really makes the OT come alive because it gives a very good sense of the chronology, surrounding events, surrounding places, and other nations/peoples. I particularly like the scholarly, yet highly readable balance he strikes. He makes numerous references to liberal scholars and gives conservative answers to them. I read/write academic papers in my own field and recognize when someone is credible. This author's book passes with flying colors. His timelines are especially helpful to tie the chapters together. Also many maps, sketches, lists (I was tickled to find out how ancient beer is!), and black-and-white artifact photos. Hopefully all readers of this review have a regular read-through-the Bible program. This book does a wonderful job providing the complementary perspective and makes reading God's Word even more fruitful. This is by far the best of several books on archaeology I've ever read. ... Read more

Product Description
Veteran archaeologist John McRay sheds light on the biblical text by examining archaeological discoveries in Archeology and the New Testament. As he tours sites associated with the ministry of Jesus, the journey of Paul, and the seven churches of Revelation, he shows the pervasive influence of society, architecture, and religion on the peoples of the first century and on the New Testament. The book includes maps, charts, diagrams, a glossary of terms, and more than 150 photographs that help the ancient world come alive. Now in paper. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Great Book
This is a great book. It is detailed yet concise. Its maps and charts are amazing.

Great!
Thank you very much for fast delivery, item in good condition, all went well, highly recommended seller!

Great lessons for newcomers to archeology
After reading Archeology and the Old Testament by Hoerth, this book fills out the needed holes. For a newcomer to the field of archeology this book helps to understand some of the basics. Very well put together and infromative. The development of ideas is clear and insightful. This book is a winner, and I recommend this for any student of the Bible who seeks to teach the Word of God in it's context. You will find yourself quoting from this book in your sermons!!! Gary Van Daele

Great lessons for newcomers to archeology
After reading Archeology and the Old Testament by Hoerth, this book fills out the needed holes. For a newcomer to the field of archeology this book helps to understand some of the basics. Very well put together and infromative. The development of ideas is clear and insightful. This book is a winner, and I recommend this for any student of the Bible who seeks to teach the Word of God in it's context. You will find yourself quoting from this book in your sermons!!! Gary Van Daele

Quick Review
An up to date discussion of the more important archaeological finds relevant to New Testament studies.Packed with social and cultural insights and written clearly. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Confirms cultural accuracy of Biblical texts
Reviewed by Tyler R. Tichelaar for Reader Views (2/09)

I have always been fascinated with the story of the Bible, and especially its discussions of the early origins of mankind. I have also always found archaeology fascinating--I might have been an archaeologist if not for the heat of the Middle East--so I was ready for an interesting, and even faith-filled journey in reading "The Archaeology of the Bible." For the most part, I was not disappointed.

Hoffmeier begins the book by making it clear he will seek to affirm the Bible, yet he never fails to be scientific, rational and reliable in his assertions. The early portion of the book gives an overview of archaeology and its interest in the Bible, discussing the flaws of early archaeologists who often distorted discoveries simply in their enthusiasm to prove that the Bible was true, and equally, those who set out to prove the Bible was myth and story only. Hoffmeier admits we cannot prove most of the Bible stories, but we can explore the history, culture, and what archaeology has discovered from biblical times to see how it coincides with the biblical narratives. I found his discussion throughout to be absorbing and full of common sense, not misguided by what he wanted to be found. For the most part, readers of the Bible will be happy to learn that archaeological discoveries do support much of the Bible's narrative. For example, while archaeology cannot prove God parted the Red Sea, it can reveal a substantial argument for the Israelites' presence in Egypt and their subsequent conquest of Canaan.

The early section of the book, through the early stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Moses, looks to what we know of ancient Sumerian, Egyptian and Palestinian cultures to determine the likelihood and context of the stories of the Bible. The most fascinating part of the book for me was the discussion of Israel's conquest of Canaan up through the Babylonian captivity where the most detail seems to exist to support the Bible stories. The discussion of the conquest of Canaan was especially well proven, arguing that evidence of a sudden destruction of the cities of Canaan has not been found because no such mass destruction took place but rather that Israel slowly conquered the land so as not to let it grow into wilderness or be overrun by wild animals; Hoffmeier references the Bible for support of his statements. The last chapters about the New Testament were also interesting although I felt less archaeological research was necessary here since it seemed many of the places are well marked and known due to Christian devoutness in remembering these places, although as Hoffmeier explains, Christian tradition about where Christ was born or crucified or buried does not necessarily match up with archaeological findings.

My only complaint about "The Archaeology of the Bible" was that I would have liked to read more about the process of archaeology, especially the digs and the discoveries. A lot of the time, I felt Hoffmeier was just telling us what was discovered and how it related to the biblical texts without getting into the details of the discoveries. I wanted to feel I was getting my hands dirty and to feel the thrill of discovering artifacts with him. I think the book could have been presented with a bit more of a feeling that a mystery was being solved to build suspense to keep the reader's attention, but Hoffmeier may have felt that kind of presentation was more for the television and movie producers than a scientific work on archaeology.

Anyone interested in archaeology will find this book of interest. Anyone interested in the truth behind the Bible will find much to consider. Anyone who wants to find archaeological support for the Christian and Jewish faiths will not be disappointed by "The Archaeology of the Bible" by James K. Hoffmeier.

Hardly objective
If you are looking for an objective examination of archaeological evidence that supports or refutes the Bible, keep looking. Hoffmeier stands well to the apologetic end of the spectrum, despite pretensions to the contrary. Where the Bible clearly propagates stories from other cultures (Moses in the basket, the flood) Hoffmeier cites trivial differences to argue that the Biblical stories were independently conceived, or at least derived independently from a common tradition. Disappointingly biased

The Archaeology of the Bible, Hoffmeier
Hoffmeier's book has value for scholars and laypersons alike. Though simply written, the author's solid scholarship and on-site fieldwork are obvious at every point. Overall, I like Hoffmeier's work (though I disagree with Hoffmeier's 13th century B.C. date for the exodus--the evidence better fits a 15th century B.C. setting).

Easy to Read
Easy to read book for the non specialist. Although the author tried to be as objective as possible, however, at the back of his mind he was trying to prove the writings of the bible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Best for several reasons
I used this book in my first classical archaeology course as an undergraduate, and later to brush up my weak points before the exams for the American School of Classical Studies at Athens.Now that I am a professor of classical archaeology, I always use this updated edition as a textbook in university courses that I teach on the subject.

In addition to its great academic and pedagogical merits, I feel good using Professor Biers' book on a personal level, because he is, in my own experience and by all accounts, a kind and honest gentleman.

Fast Quality Service
The book arrived in good condition just days after I ordered it.You saved me some good money on my textbooks!Thanks.

Excellent but with some flaws
`The Archaeology of Greece' is an excellent book to introduce you to the numerous treasures the Greek world has left behind. Aside from plain information about the artefacts, the book also pays a lot of attention to the social background of the time. As the modern scope of archaeology lies mainly in explaining the past rather than just discovering pots and pans, this information is very welcome. Overall I find that Biers has done an excellent job in writing the book. His information is thorough and detailed and you never get the feeling that something is unclear. The illustrations are superb: you'll find a lot of nice pictures inside that are not just decoration but an essential part of the text.

Yet, I take one star off because the presentation of the book isn't always as good. First, there is very little `division' in each chapter. Each of the ten chapters has a division into art, architecture, sculpture, painting and mosaics and miscellaneous stuff. But it is not enough. For example, one of the chapters is about a few late-classical sculptors, among them Praxiteles, Skopas and Lysippos. All you see though, is one long batch of text under the header `sculpture'. Especially for students like me, it would be so much more helpful to divide `sculpture' into more parts and put more heads in the text, for example one with `Praxiteles' and one with `Lysippos', etcetera. Now it sometimes becomes unclear what the author is really talking about. Additionally, the author gives a lot of information about different sculptors and styles, but he seldom compares them. And IF he does, the lack of any heads makes the information very difficult to find.

Another strange thing was the connection between pictures and text. It often happens that the picture a text refers to, is one or two pages ahead of the text itself. So if page 167 refers to figure 9.25, you have to turn the page before you know what it is about. I think this problem could have been avoided easily with some better editing. Alas, the book has some typographical problems but on the level of information it's very useful and informative. I just hope these flaws will be removed in the next edition, but still recommend the book.

Nice outline of Ancient Greek Archaeology
This book provides the student of Ancient Greece with the foundations of Greek art and architecture.His book is not dry and read fairly quickly (he even managed to make me laugh a few times!) and his expertise is evident in every aspect.I enjoyed reading this book and feel that it deepened my knowledge of this subject.

Good introduction and up-to-date scholarship
If you want a nice introduction to the archaeology of the Greek world, this book is a must. With up-to-date archaeological discoveries and theories, lovely pictures, and useful information on all subjects, one truly feels enlightened about the subject through reading this book. A must for all! ... Read more

Product Description
Extensively illustrated and clearly written, this book examines the major categories of Greek architecture, sculpture, vasepainting, wallpainting, and metalwork in a historical, social, and archaeological context. It blends factual information with stimulating interpretation and juxtaposes long-standing notions with the latest archaeological discoveries and hypotheses. Focusing on form, function, and history of style, the book explores art and artifacts chronologically from the Early Bronze through the Hellenistic eras (ca. 3000 to ca. 30 BC)–and by medium. For individuals who appreciate–and want to better understand–the art and history of Greece.Amazon.com Review
This revised edition of John Griffiths Pedley's 1993 surveycovers 3,000 years of Greek history with nearly 400 illustrations andan authoritative text that centers on material culture, especiallypottery, statuary, and architecture. Greek Art and Archaeologyincorporates recent scholarship on matters such as influences from theNear East and the spread of Greek ideas to other parts of theMediterranean. Of special interest is Pedley's building-by-buildinghistory of the Parthenon, including a useful survey of its metopes andfriezes. He also offers well-considered stylistic notes on familiarobjects, such as the Laocoön group and the Nike of Samothrace. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Book (Students and Faculty)
This book is ideal for those looking for a beginning interest in ancient Greek Art and Archaeology. With detailed pictures and informative content, the book is a great substitute to a museum, lecture, or video special.

Fabulous
I am so happy i got this book from amazon. It shipped fast and came in perfect condition. Best of all i got it for $75, instead of $130 if i bought it from my school.

Awesome
Great if you like archaeology, get the hardcover version too, its worth it, wont die over time!

Ancient Art made easy...
This was a required text for an art history course I took in college, and, being an art history major, I found this to be an easy read.It made the material easy to understand, and the color and black-white photographs were excellent.Pedley covers the entire spectrum of Greek art admirably, makes connections to primary sources, and outlines the various styles so that even a student NOT interested in the subject comes away with something.Anyone needing a reference on Ancient Greek Art or wanting to learn about the subject will find his book to be invaluable! ... Read more

Product Description
This survey of archaeological discoveries in Bible lands includes testimonies and interviews from leading archaeologists and exciting pictures featuring the latest finds made in the lands of the Bible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Great Book
I am taking my time and enjoy reading through the pages of this book. I have been sharing its information with friends. This book encourages my faith walk with Jesus. Good book to read as an aid in studying the Bible.

Excavations Often Confirm (Never Contradict) Bible as History....
"The Stones Cry Out" by Randall Price (paperback, 1997) has some problems which I will discuss first, and then I will mention some of its good points.

Problem #1: The first few pages, and last several pages, are falling out.The binding is evidently not of the best quality.

Problem #2: The oldest/earliest/bottom-most layer of ancient Israelite and Near Eastern cities dates back to only 2300 BC (diagram, p. 45).Yet the author assigns dates earlier than this, such as 2500 BC (for Noah and the flood), and 4134 BC (for Adam and Eve).Hence, in doing this, he goes BEYOND the archeological evidence, andindulges in speculation.(I conclude that the earliest date he assigns which IS based solidly on the archeological evidence is c. 2135 BC [for Abraham's birth]["Chronology of Historical Figures," p. 354].)

(In fact, as I have come to understand it, Abraham is the earliest/first actual/real/historical person in the Bible; everything before him is PRE-history.So yes, God made the heavens and the earth, but not necessarily in seven literal days.And yes, there was a great flood [at the end of the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago, according to geologists], but again, the author of Genesis uses "poetic license" to fill in the details.)

Incidentally, I was interested to learn that other ancient cultures (besides the Hebrew culture, with its Bible) had stories of Creation from a watery chaos, out of which separated the heavens and the earth;of the gods creating the first humans from clay of the ground;and of the chief (creator) god later sending a flood to destroy all humanity, but warning one man who builds a boat and so survives (Babylonian and Assyrian epics; pp. 60-64).

Problem #3 with this book: incomplete information.For example, the author states, "We can provide a computer model of a scientific mechanism for the parting of the Red Sea" (p. 134), but no such mechanism is described.Was it simply "a strong east wind all night" (Genesis 14.21)?We are given not even the slightest hint.

Another example of insufficient information is where the author says that satellite imagery analysts, using infrared light, can see ancient caravan routes through the desert by the "heat patterns left in the earth" (p. 136).What exactly the "heat patterns" are is not explained.Did the caravans pack the ground, so that it now holds more heat along the ancient routes?Again, I am left to my own guessing...

While I think Randall Price is a highly competent archeologist, I also think that he needs a good professional writer as co-author of this book, to fill in the gaps and supply more information wherever needed.

Now I turn to the good parts of the book.It was an eye-opener for me to read that an ancient city has been excavated which could be the Sodom mentioned in the Bible.A layer of ashes several feet thick covers the city, evidence of a massive destroying fire.

Subsequent erosion has destroyed any remains of buildings in the city itself, but its nearby cemetary contains ruins of "burial houses," which show evidence that the fire started on the roofs, which then caved in, spreading the flames to inside the buildings.

A possible natural explanation is that an earthquake (common in this region, which lies above a fault line [p. 110]) forced deposits of sulfur, asphalt, petroleum, and natural gas (also common in this area [p. 118]) to the surface.It would then have taken only a lightening bolt to ignite a catastrophic firestorm which "rained on Sodom...brimstone [stones of burning sulfur] and fire...out of heaven" (Genesis 19:24).

(Of course, knowing a probable natural cause....in no way excludes simultaneous supernatural intervention also.)

Another find that impressed me was the 1990 discovery of a limestone burial box ("ossuary") near Jerusalem, with beautiful flower-designs engraved on the front (photograph p. 306), indicating a person of high rank.On the side of this stone coffin was inscribed the name "Caiaphas," and the bones of the 60-year-old man found inside the container are indeed thought to be those of the very same high priest who asked Pilate to condemn Jesus to death.

And speaking of Pilate, in 1961 a 2 x 3 ft. stone plaque was unearthed, inscribed in Latin, "Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea" (p. 307), the first archeological evidence for the man who sentenced Jesus to execution by crucifixion.

And if anyone should doubt the reality of crucifixion as described in the gospels, a seven-inch-long nail going through a man's ankle bone, and lodged in a knothole of a piece of wood from an olivewood cross, was found in an ossuary near Jerusalem, originating from about the time of Jesus (p. 309).

In summary, overall I liked this book and recommend it.In spite of its imperfections, I found it to be one of the more fascinating books I have read in recent years.

good read
I read this book quite a while ago and remember that it was a good read. One impression I had was that the writer doesn't point out the obvious:Prior to the time of the Kings, there is a virtual dirth of evidence for anything.For example, in the chapter on the Exodus, after sifting through all of the dialogue, you come to realize that millions of pre-Israelites spent forty years in the desert and there is not a potsherd of evidence.At the end of the chapter, the author all but admits this. I realize that absence of evidence is not usually evidence of absence, but when you should expect to find evidence and you don't, well... To add some balance to what I've just said, this book was written in 1997 and I think that more evidence has emerged since then.

The chapter on Sodom was interesting, but full of speculation.

Read this book and enjoy it, but be sure to read what isn't said.

More evidence that the Bible is true, all true!
Who says the Bible is myth? And who says archaeology is boring? This is a captivating book, one that has turned my travel fantasies from Germany and Austria to the Holy Land.

Definitely worth a read for everyone interested in archeology
This book has so many strong points:

First of all, the author's uncompromising integrity gives his information tremendous plausibility. He rejects popular theories that lack true evidence, even if those theories would support his own beliefs. He's very honest about the limits of archeology, whether you are a biblical skeptic or a believer. He also admits that, due to ongoing discoveries, any book on archeology is outdated before it goes to print. Such humility is a refreshing change from how many archeologists, both minimalists (biblical scholars who minimize the authority of biblical text as a reliable source of historical and factual information about the past)and maximalists (biblical scholars who give maximum authority to the Bible as a source of, etc.), present their finds. Regardless, the finds that have stood the test are presented here in fascinating detail, both photographic and literary.

Price also emphasizes archeology's limits (mostly due to financial constraints). For example, Price writes that only 10% of discovered cuneiform tablets have been published. So yes, 50,000 tablets is a lot, but remember that means that there are 450,000 tablets that haven't been published. There is a lot of information like this in the book.

The discoveries and their conclusions are fascinating. I particularly liked the chapter discussing Sodom, its possible location, and the evidence discovered there showing that the houses had burned from the rooftops and downward.

Great photos throughout the book, and good organization, including a glossary.

Price maintains an admirably respectful tone when writing about minimalist archeologists, even though their beliefs and archeological philosophies must totally contradict his.

Price is obviously and enthusiastically Christian, but he doesn't in any way force his religious views on the reader, nor does he put down other religions. I'm Jewish, so I think I would've picked up on any slights (to my own religion, at least).

The style and tone of his writing is enjoyable. He has a sense of fun and wonder about his work that really comes through. It could be a dry subject, but Price gives it life.

Just a FYI: Here in Israel, a minimalist archeologist repeatedly insists that archeological evidence shows that camels were absolutely not domesticated in the time of Abraham. When a maximalist archeologist showed him clear and numerous evidence that camels WERE domesticated then, and that the Bible wasn't lying, the minimalist said he didn't care, and continues to this day to restate his original (and proven false) claims. Minimalists are obviously no more objective than maximalists, which is why I think it's very important to read books by straight-shooting archeologists (regardless of their religious views)like Randall Price in order to get the whole story.

It goes without saying: I loved this book!
... Read more

Product Description
This brief, inexpensive introduction to the techniques, methods, and theoretical frameworks of contemporary archaeology follows the same organizing principle as the text Archaeology: Discovering Our Past but features less detail. Archaeological methods and theory are covered comprehensively--at a reasonable level of detail--in under 300 pages. Illustrative examples and case studies present a temporal and geographic balance of both Old and New World sites. Abundant student aids include maps of archaeological areas, extensive illustrations, chapter introductions and summaries, a guide to further reading at the end of each chapter, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

too much highlight
I didn't know there was this much highlight when i brought it. If i would have known, i wouldn't have brought it.

The authors got their degrees at Kinkos
This time you do need to judge a book by its cover. On my copy there is a picture of The Ring of Brodgar which is located on the Isle of Orkney in Scotland. The back of the book states the following: "In the middle of an otherwise undistinguished grassy plain,near Loch Roag on one of Scotland's Shetland Islands, stands a cluster of stones, precisely shaped and simply arranged. This elegantly mysterious and awe-inspiring arra of standing stones is "Callanish" Okaaay... Callanish is located on the isle of Harris/Lewis, not Shetland Island. The Ring of Brodgar is on the cover of the book, but not actually mentioned in the book. Loch Roag is not on Shetland either, it too is located on the isle of Harris/Lewis. If they can't get those simple facts straight, I shudder to think of what they got wrong in the book. And this is a second edition of the book! Think of all the students they have mislead!! I think someone needs to tell them that a degree from Kinko's is not the same as a degree from college. Don't waste your time and money on this book. I bet the authors are from Québec in Canada. How else can you explain the inaccuracies of this book?

Not like most college textbooks
I'm currently a student and i'm taking an Introducion to Archaeology course because I've always been interested in learning a little bit about archaeology.This is the book that I have to use for my class and most ofthe time I dread having to read the books in any of my classes, but thisbook is an exception.Even if I wasn't taking the course in college, Iwould enjoy reading this book.

It gives you an overview of whatarchaeologists do for a living and tells of many excavations and otherarchaeological discoveries.Unlike most textbooks, it not only givesdefinitions and gives information about the subject, but it tells storiesthat will interest you and actually make you want to read the book for achange.

If you want to read about what archaeology is about, Irecommend reading this book.It has a lot of good information and it'sinteresting. ... Read more

Product Description
An objective guide to this fascinating science of history and culture

Archaeology continually makes headlines--from recent discoveries like the frozen Copper-Age man in the Italian Alps to the newest dating of the first people in America at over 14,0000 years ago. Archaeology For Dummies offers a fascinating look at this intriguing field, taking readers on-site and revealing little-known details about some of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries. It explores how archaeology attempts to uncover the lives of our ancestors, examining historical dig sites around the world and explaining theories about ancient human societies. The guide also offers helpful information for readers who want to participate in an excavation themselves, as well as tips for getting the best training and where to look for jobs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Amazingly Relevant!
When I first saw there was an Archaeology for Dummies book, I let out a groan.While fanciful depictions of Egyptians, Aztecs, or Indiana Jones generate a large amount of public interest in the subject, those depictions can be a tad out of line with the experience of today's archaeologist.I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this book!White spends a great deal of time chronicling the realities of discipline, giving good insight into the who, what, where, when, why, and how archaeology is done.Quite honestly, I wish this book had been around when I was an undergraduate anthropology major!I'd highly recommend its use as some sort of supplemental text in an intro-level archaeology or anthropology class.Older children and adults with a strong curiosity about archaeology would also benefit from a reading of this book.

Opinions seem to being to extreme.
Its an introduction for Dummies...as such it lives up to the brand expectation and delivers a solid well rounded and broad coverage of the topic.

think twice
As a professional archaeologist, I was interested in how the author introduced the archaeology that people might want to know.Consider a high-school student considering a survey of the family farm for a science fair project, a landowner who learns she has a site on her property and wants to know her rights and responsibilities, a project manager who gets a letter from somebody called a SHPO saying that the project cannot proceed before certain things are done.Well, this book won't help any of those people.Neither does it convey well the magic that we archaeologists perform - taking garbage and lost items from times past and using them to construct images of how people lived.Lots of things are mentioned here, but few are actually explained.Some information is labeled "technical stuff," and the reader is advised that he doesn't have to read it, but these set-asides seem more or less randomly chosen; on one page metal detectors are in such a set-aside, but on the next page a geochemical sampling program using phosphate detection is not.In summary, I can't think of anyone who is really likely to benefit much from reading this book.

understandable archaeology
Archaeology has come a long way from the old treasure hunting days.Today's archaeology is a lot of science, and it is nice to have a book that can explain the new things in a basic understandable way.Great book. ... Read more

Product Description

This one-of-a-kind presentation of the New Testament world and its archaeological treasures provides a new, more complete understanding of the world in which Christianity was born. Through lavish photographs, architectural plans, extensive maps, and detailed charts, you can explore the landscape of Nazareth where Jesus grew up; sit at the shores of Galilee where he preached; and enter the streets and temple of Jerusalem where his ministry was fulfilled. An experienced archaeologist and biblical expert will guide you throughout your journey around Israel and beyond—on the Mediterranean voyages of Paul to the homes and synagogues of the Roman Empire, where he planted the seeds of Christianity. Visit Emperor Nero's "Golden House," witness the desperation of the Jewish revolutionaries at Masada, and explore the magnificent basilicas of Constantine the Great.

Customer Reviews (2)

The best available
This book has the best collection of photos that is available for the study of the New Testament. The author explains everything from how archaeology works to what the new discoveries mean for Christians and interested readers of the Bible. It is great that every page has illustrations, maps, and photos. You can really see what the authors of the New Testament were talking about. Reed includes lots of stories from his own experience as an archaeologist in the Holy Land. Great study guide for people interested in knowing more about Jesus and St. Paul.

Outstanding overview
Reed's book makes for both entertaining and educational reading. Going in, I had some general knowledge of critical biblical scholarship, but practically no knowledge of what archeology in the holy lands can actually tell us. I came away with a great appreciation of both the importance and limitations of biblical archeology.

This book is at its absolute best when it describes the context for the creation of particular New Testament texts. Its treatment of the origin of Revelation is extremely enlightening for example. I did, however, occasionally want him to be a little more critical of the historicity of the accounts in the biblical texts themselves. Instead he maintains caution, which is certainly understandable even if a little frustrating.

Overall an excellent read.
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Product Description
This entertaining very short introduction reflects the enduring popularity of archaeology-a subject which appeals as a pastime, career, and academic discipline, encompasses the whole globe, and surveys 2.5 million years. From deserts to jungles, from deep caves to mountain tops, from pebble tools to satellite photographs, from excavation to abstract theory, archaeology interacts with nearly every other discipline in its attempts to reconstruct the past. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A short but very informative book
Who said that in short we can not do what is necessary? This is a book very simple, very short but were we can learn the basics of Archaeology, and understand what a wonderfulwork this is.

You'll dig this book
This is a great book for anyone interested in archaeology. It is well written and concise, and it is highly readable for the layperson. I would even go so far as to call it entertaining! The author brings a lot of information to the table, cuts it down into bite-size bits, and serves it up with a distinct tongue-in-cheek flavor.

Dig this
In the Preface to this excellent little book, the author says his intention is to give the reader a taste of the subject and to help students decide if they want to study archeology at University.It performs those tasks admirably.It quite rightly provides a very broad overview rather than going deeply into specific topics, but manages to cram in loads of interesting facts along the way.The tone is jocular, and sometimes the humor is rather forced ("Relative dating does not mean going out with your cousin") but for the most part it works, and Bill Tidy's cartoons are well up to standard.

Bahn is pretty harsh with some modern archeological notions, and objectivity toward his peers is clearly not a priority with him, but I don't think this seriously distorts what he has to say.

The very title betrays the fact that this is a British publication with British usage and spellings, but I did not spot anything that would cause a problem for an American reader.

I do not know of a better short introduction to the subject than this book.Following this, you might want to read Egyptology, another excellent entry in the same series.

A very short book....
...maybe a tad too short.The book does a good job of explaining what archaeology is and how is works.From microwear to monuments, from dating methods to grave robbing, from gender issues to mass tourism, the book tries to touch on almost everything that is linked to archaeology or related to it.In some ways it tries to cover too much for such a small book and I finished the book wishing for more details on the history of archaeology and how it works.

Short on Specifics
This would have been a better book if the author had given more examples of the aspects of archeology of which he spoke. For instance, Bahn wrote about theoretical archeology, but he never described an instance in which a researcher used theoretical archeology to arrive at a particular conclusion.

The book was easy to read, but I did not learn that much from it. Mostly what I got out of it was that carbon dating does not assume that the levels of radioactive carbon have been constant throughout history. Varves are a way of dating that involves counting the layers of annual sedimentation deposits in certain frosty locales.

The book needed to be short, but I thought he should cut back on the breadth and provide more specific info about what he does discuss. Some of the discussions are pointless. He goes on at length about archeology's obligation to teach us about the past, but we all knew that anyway.

The humor was mildly amusing, but the writer is not a gifted comic. ... Read more

Product Description
Written expressly for amateur archaeologists and archaeological volunteers to help them discover how they can become part of this increasingly popular field. Covers subjects ranging from excavation techniques, tools, site locations, archaeological methods, archaeology and the law to conducting your own dig. Besides providing extensive data on gaining experience as volunteers of professionally organized digs, it offers an extensive resource section that includes archaeology organizations, field schools and sites, archaeological musems and a bibliography of reading matter which deals with archaeology. A large variety of line-drawings and photographs also assist the would-be archaeologist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Helpful Book For The Budding Archaeologist
Having worked as a contract archaeologist years ago, I bought this book last summer to refresh my memory on archaeological procedures and techniques for a summer enrichment class that I was teaching.It was extremely helpful and I would recommend it for those who are thinking of taking an archaeology class.Archaeology is one of those professions that has pershible skills.

Great Book
This is a very good basic book. It explains almost all of the aspects of archeology. It is very good in explaining things. The book is very complete. Great for the starting archeologist.

Great Book
The book is a wonderful resource for the beginer archaeologist. Itexplains all the terms, tools, and tricks of the trade. It also has awonderful list of places you can go to dig and companies that will helpplace you.The only issue I have with it is that it is 9 years old...anewer, updated book would be great because the listings of digs would beupdated. Nice photos and diagrams...written with a sense of humor ... Read more

Product Description
"Sets the new standard for excellence in this field."—Antiquity
This best-selling textbook on what archaeologists do and how they do it has now been completely revised. Structured according to the key questions that archaeologists ask themselves, it provides coverage of all the major developments in methods, science, technology, and theory.

For the fifth edition, the voices of indigenous archaeologists have been included, and there is updated coverage of archaeological ethics and Cultural Resource Management. Recent findings are discussed, and there is expanded coverage of topics such as bioarchaeology and geoarchaeology.
600+ illustrations ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

This is English (not Portuguese)
I have not read it yet, but thought others might want to know this book is in English, not Portuguese as the title and description suggest.This is a VERY inexpensive way to get a copy of this textbook since archeology theory and practices has not radically changed since 2004 (unless you are reading this in the year 2104).

Just What I Was Looking For
I did a lot of research and finally got this one from the library, but I ordered it from Amazon.com about three chapters in because I loved it so much.

It covers each topic with in archaeology in good depth, but not too much information. There are great inlays with information on particular sites that illustrate the points discussed in the chapter. I have a minor in Archaeology and I found this book to be an excellent refresher and very interesting.

Perfect for beginners
We were assigned to tests for my Principle of Archaeology class this semester. This one and the one from Sharer-Ashmore. I bought both of them. The material in both is specific, it covers all the major topics of the discipline and they are great.

What sets this one apart, is the format. It is easier for beginners to digest the information and is not filled with dense data that will end up confusing most who read. I would recommend it for both classes and for others who wish to know more about the discipline

Mother-in-law goes back to school
my 87 year old M-i-L is at SFSU this semester. Taking an Archaeology Methods course. The only thing I know about the book is it's damned expensive. Glad I could get it used from Amazon

This is a wonderful textbook.
It is well written, and lavishly illustrated.It is the kind of book that makes you want to get up and start an excavation.If you are interested in the past, and how to figure out the mysteries of the past, then this book is a gold mine.I loved the way that it took complex subjects and made them so easy to understand.Why it was enjoyable.What a wonderful and special book.I really recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The Third Edition of this recent entry into the introductory archaeology market conveys the excitement of archaeological discovery and explains how archaeologists think as they scientifically find, analyze, and interpret evidence. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Honestly didn't use it much
Well I ordered this book for an archeology class that I took last semester. Unfortunately I didn't use it at all for the class. On the other hand, I often picked it up to read when I was bored. It had a lot of interesting facts and history and theories that came along with the archaeological world.

cool
Who needs the 3rd edition when the second is practically word for word. This book was around $80 for new 3rd edition. payed a total less then $20 and recieved an A+ in class ... Read more

Product Description