Ebook: Archaeology in America

From Booklist This set offers the nonspecialist a comprehensive introduction to archaeology in America. A thorough introduction sets the stage with a discussion of the history and value of North American archaeology.  The content is divided into eight sections representing general regions of North America north of Mexico. More than 350 signed articles cover individual sites, or groups of related sites, dating from 20,000 years ago through the twentieth century. The criteria for the selection of sites included “the importance of the site to the general understanding of the history of human habitation and the variety of cultural adaptations in North America.” Each volume begins with a table of contents listing the regions that are covered and a list of specific entries that are included for each region. Each of the regional sections begins with a brief introduction to the area as well as a list of the articles appearing in the section and a map indicating the general locations of the sites that are mentioned. This is followed by articles arranged in roughly chronological order and providing three- to five-page overviews on general topics. Appearing next are articles on specific sites or groups of sites. Information for visitors is often included. Each article concludes with references to additional information. Black-and-white illustrations and photographs are found throughout the set. A glossary is repeated at the close of each volume. The articles are written in a style that would be accessible for the general reader, although the arrangement presents some navigational challenges. The list of articles provided at the beginning of each regional section does not give page numbers. There are no cross-references between more general articles, such as “St. Augustine and Other Early European Colonial Settlements,” and more specific entries, such as “St. Augustine.” The index helps, but it does not identify main entries.  Few recent publications provide such a comprehensive overview—accessible to the general reader—of archaeology in America. This set would be a welcome addition to an academic or large public library. --Maren Ostergard Review "This collection of essays on over 300 topics related to archaeological sites and discoveries in North America and Hawaii was written by local experts, while the editors are anthropologists and/or archaeological scholars with numerous published books and articles to their credit. The arrangement is geographic, with each volume covering a different area of the United States. Each section begins with overview essays (e.g. 'The Archaeology of California'), followed by essays describing important archaeological sites in that geographical area. Accessible to general readers but also useful for students at the high school and college level, the essays describe sites of historical importance and lists of sources for further study—even pointing out museums, parks, and other visitor sites. Numerous maps and black-and-white photographs illustrate the text. Each volume also contains a glossary and an index; the final volume includes a contributor list with affiliation and location information for contributors and more information on the editors. . . . For public, high school, and college libraries that do not have access to DLO, purchase of this print set is recommended. The price is reasonable considering the amount of material included as well as the general level of interest in American history." * * * * Library Journal "This set offers the nonspecialist a comprehensive introduction to archaeology in America. A thorough introduction sets the stage with a discussion of the history and value of North American archaeology. . . . Few recent publications provide such a comprehensive overview—accessible to the general reader—of archaeology in America. This set would be a welcome addition to an academic or large public library." * * * * Booklist "This reference tool conveniently collects information about archaeological sites that can be difficult to find, thus it is highly recommended for academic and larger public libraries." * * * * ARBAonline "Impressive for its thoroughness and quality of writing, this 4-volume reference describes archaeological sites in North America, including northern Mexico, the US, and Canada. . . . The articles are written by archaeologists and are both authoritative and accessible, with detailed discussion of the history of the site and its study, with bibliography and information about public access and use provided for each. The volumes are well-illustrated with B&W plates of photos, drawings, and maps. Thoughtfully produced and rich in its coverage, this is a fine reference that will be essential for public and college libraries." * * * * Reference & Research Book News "This set presents an overview of archaeology, rather than focusing on US sites, but no other comparable, comprehensive set on US archaeological sites is available. . . . This set offers a fantastic overview of the most significant archaeological finds in the US. Summing Up: Essential." * * * * Choice "…this encyclopaedia is a useful and easily comprehensible overview of archaeology and archaeological sites in North America aimed at the general reader and beginning student of archaeology. It also provides a handy starting-point for further, more in-depth study. Recommended for academic libraries." * * * * Reference Reviews