Patterns in Prehistory: Humankind's First Three Million Years

By Robert J. Wenke and Deborah I. Olszewski

Book Overview

Generations after generations have been living and dying on this planet for millions and millions of years. These ancestors have built societies, created cultures, and produced technologies. Yet many questions still remain about our ancestry and what relevance, if any, these past cultures hold for us.Patterns in Prehistory takes an in-depth look at humankind's first three million years. From the origins of early hominids several million years ago to the evolution of the first great states and civilizations, this comprehensive survey of world prehistory also confronts important philosophical issues about the study of the past. The author reflects on the archaeological methods and theories of the 1960s and 70s while reviewing the methodological revisions of the 80s and 90s, relating the archaeological data from hundreds of sites to the great questions of prehistorical change. He focuses on the four great transformations in the history of our genus: the evolution of culture itself; the first appearance of us, Homo Sapiens; the evolution of agriculture; and the first appearances of cultural and social complexity in the form of the great civilizations of antiquity.Thoroughly revised and updated, this fourth edition incorporates the most recent archaeological discoveries and addresses the insights and limitations of the new wave of "post-processual" or "cognitive" archaeology. It incorporates the latest research, particularly the new discoveries in Mesoamerican sites, Peru, southwest Asia, and Egypt, as well as new scholarship and theories on the origins of complex societies. Wenke also places more emphasis on gender, race, ideology, and religion. Ideal for courses in world prehistory and archeology, this new edition has been shortened to be more accessible to students.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195055225
• ISBN13: 9780195055221
• Release Date: November 1990
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 624 Pages
• Weight: 2.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.4" x 1.1" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Fundamentals are good, details arguable

This is actually a review of the third edition from 1990 but that isn't listed so I hope this one will do. In 16 chapters, Wenke attempts to take us through the basics of archaeology from the Fertile Cresent to the New World to China. Latest evidence on the origins of different groups of humans throughout the world is constantly changing so I wouldn't use this book to research for a paper today. However, the basics about what archaeology is and how it works is still the same; Wenke explanations are very clear and well illustrated. Furthermore if you are interested in how much the field of archaeology and the study of prehistory has changed, then this is a good basic, college level resource for such study.

Comprehensive and Well-Written

I found myself listening to people whine and complain about the detail that Wenke goes into when discussing a topic. As compared to a textbook such as Fagan's 'People of The Earth', 'Patterns in Prehistory' certainly is rather long-winded in some regards. When cramming for a test, it might not be the best, yet I thouroughly enjoyed reading through it. It feels as though you are having a discussion with Mr. Wenke himself, not trudging through the required reading before a lecture. It's the kind of textbook you take with you to a comfortable chair and read leisurely, not one with which you come armed with highliter, expecting helpful 'test terms' and colorful pictures. I'm glad I was able to use this textbook as opposed to Fagan (which I've glanced over). I feel that I have come away with a much better understanding than those who failed to get past the small print and long chapters. And compared to other textbooks, it's a steal pricewise. Mr. Wenke is an excellent writer with an obvious passion for his field, I thank him for a solid read.