What is historical archaeology and why is it important? Well-known archaeologist Barbara Little addresses these key questions for introductory students in this concise, inexpensive, and well-written text. Little covers the goals of historical archaeological work, the kinds of questions it asks, and the ethical and political concerns it raises. She shows what historical archaeology can provide that neither of its parent disciplines can offer alone. Little offers brief snapshots of key American sites: Jamestown, Mission San Luis, West Oakland, the African American Burial Ground, and the Garbage Project, among others. And she shows how historical archaeology is inextricably linked to public education, justice issues, and our collective understanding of the past. As an introductory guide for historical archaeology and similar courses, or as thought-provoking reading for professionals, this volume is unmatched in quality and scope.

About the Author
Barbara Little is an archaeologist with the National Park Service.

Reviews
'Little has produced a high-quality, intellectually-stimulating, and thought-provoking book. The text is thoroughly engaging. Her use of anecdotes and humor is delightful, drawing the reader into the dialogue in a most compelling way. The emphasis on socially-responsible scholarship is a particularly appealing feature of the text. Our discipline was fundamentally altered during the late 1980s and early 1990s with the passing of NAGPRA legislation, the New York African Burial Ground project, and similar issues. I have struggled to find appropriate texts that bring these issues to the foreground. Barbara does this brilliantly. This text will serve well as the backbone upon which a course is built. I believe this text would have broad appeal within historical archaeology.' Deborah L. Rotman, University of Notre Dame 'A fine starting point for an historical archaeology class...this book would also serve enlightened introductory archaeology or four-field anthropology instructors who wish to include historical archaeology in their courses. Engagingly written without being patronizing, I would certainly use this in my classes.' Elizabeth Scott, Illinois State University 'Historical Archaeology has something for everyone interested in the US past. For undergraduates and professionals unfamiliar with archaeology Little has written and engaging overview of the questions, practices, and solutions of contemporary historical archaeology. For her professional colleagues, Little's distinctive perspective, gained from years in federal and academic archaeology, has lead her to refreshingly novel syntheses of the American past and understandings about the emerging field of Public Archaeology. Herein are ideas aplenty that will influence the thinking and practice of our discipline into the 21st century.' Robert Paynter, University of Massachusetts 'You couldn't ask for a more engaging and interesting guide. Using clear and fascinating examples, Barbara Little explains how historical archaeologists carry out their work. She convincingly demonstrates that knowledge of the American past sheds light on our current circumstances and helps us move forward to a better future. A real tour de force!' Elizabeth Brumfiel, Northwestern University 'Little's book contains a wealth of ideas and thoughtful exploration, relevant well beyond its United States focus.' Australasian Historical Archaeology



Book Information
ISBN 9781598740233
Author Barbara J Little
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Left Coast Press Inc
Publisher Left Coast Press Inc
Weight(grams) 650g