In the Beginning: An Introduction to Archaeology

By Brian M. Fagan

Book Overview

In the Beginning describes the basic methods and theoretical approaches of archaeology. This is a book about fundamental principles written in a clear, engaging style, with minimal use of technical jargon, which approaches archaeology from a global perspective.

This new edition includes new case studies and updated sections on the latest archaeological methods, theories, and developments in archaeological science. There are heavily updated chapters on cultural resource management, public archaeology, and the important role of archaeology in society as well as new material on multidisciplinary research, ethics, diversity, underwater archaeology, and the preservation of the archaeological record. Beginning with a broad introduction to the field, this book surveys the highlights of archaeology's vibrant history, then covers the basics of preservation, dating the past, and the context of archaeological finds. Descriptions of field surveys, including the latest remote-sensing methods, excavation, and artifact analysis, lead into the study of ancient environments, landscapes and settlement patterns, and the people of the past. There is also a chapter on archaeology as a potential career. In the Beginning takes the reader on an evenly balanced journey through today's archaeology and introduces them to the importance of archaeology in the modern world.

This well-illustrated account, with its numerous boxes and sidebars, is laced with interesting and often entertaining examples of archaeological research from around the globe. It is aimed at introductory students in archaeology and anthropology taking survey courses on archaeology, as well as more advanced readers.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1032750154
• ISBN13: 9781032750156
• Release Date: February 2025
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 494 Pages

Customer Reviews

$113 saved

The 12th edition of "In the Beginning" costs $118 at the University of Hawaii Bookstore. Not only did I not have a spare $118 but I also resisted the idea of forking over that amount of money for a book, just a normal book, not a medical textbook or anything extraordinary. For $5, I got the 11th edition of "In the Beginning" copyright 2005. The copy I received is in very good shape and is quite sufficient for getting me through my Archaeology class (Anthropology 210) at University of Hawaii at Manoa. Thanks, - Ann

Another Great Book

Once again, I was really satisfied with this book. It came quickly and in great shape, just as it was described.

An Archaeology Student Speaks...

I am currently using this book as the text for a course entitled "Introduction to Archaeological Methods and Theory." I find this book to be very informative, and it adds detail to my prof's lectures quite well. It covers a broad range of topics within archaeology, without assuming that the reader knows nothing. It appears to be written with the understanding that the student will have at least a rudimentary knowledge of some of the topics presented. The only downside is that in order to do the review questions for each topic, you must access the website. All in all, am excellent book!

Haven't read every single word but...

...It's pretty good so far. (I skip around.) Definitely basic, but a great introduction to archaeological method and history. Lots of good pictures (black and white but still good), some good charts and graphs, nice basic overview of known human cultural history, informative asides on major discoveries, new edition includes very recent discoveries and information. The writing style is clear and not overly simplistic. And the cover is beyond cool for a textbook.