Jade Dragon

By Sarah Milledge Nelson

This teaching novel is an archaeological suspense story set in northeast China at a site that is called the Goddess Temple. Clara, protagonist of Nelson's Spirit Bird Journey, begins work at an excavation at the Temple, only to discover the problems of contemporary looting, government meddling, and excavation interpersonal dynamics. Nelson's story also describes the lifeways of the Neolithic people who used the temple thousands of years ago--their economy, social structure, gender relations, and religious rituals--through the eyes of a young woman living there. Written by a leading American archaeologist specializing in these topics, this volume is both a good read and good archaeology. An ideal starting point to introduce archaeology to college students.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0967579821
• ISBN13: 9780967579825
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Clara Alden Returns

Dr. Nelson has done it again, with a novel featuring the young archaeologist from her previous novel "Spirit Bird Journey." Set in China, it is a skillful combination of archaeology, travelog, prehistoric fable, and this time around, even a ripping good adventure mystery. What a treat, to be edified and entertained at the same time. (We even learn some fascinating things about archaeoastronomy.) We grateful readers will eagerly await the next outing. C. Leon McGahee, M.D.