An Engaging, If Idiosyncratic, Introduction

This book seems to have two major goals, both of which it achieves with a fair degree of aplomb. On one hand we get a timeline of the development of archaeology as a legitimate professional and scholarly undertaking. On the other, we get a survey of and introduction to some of the most amazing and fascinating finds. 

The organization is not strictly linear, which means we bob around a bit. We open with the amateurs and hobbyists who dabbled in digging things up. Slowly and bit by bit we hopscotch around the world looking over the shoulders of various famous, infamous, or relatively unknown explorers, adventurers, and professionals who found the big finds and developed the science of archaeology into what it is today. All of the big names get fair attention - Carter, Schliemann, and so on. Less well known, but often more important, archaeologists have their contributions to the field noted as well. (For example, the Danish contribution in the form of the Three Ages approach, (Stone, Bronze, Iron), was an unexpected point of emphasis. And a concerted effort has been made to bring notable women into the club.)

During the course of sketching out the development of the field we hit all of the high points, (Egypt, Ur, the Mayans, Troy, Stonehenge, Pompeii), but also many often overlooked sites and discoveries, (American Mound Builders, American Pueblos, early Chinese artifact hunting).

Needless to say, none of these sites get more than passing attention, and there is probably much here that is glossed over or left out of the story. While an effort has been made to include sites from all over the world, (Great Zimbabwe), the tale is notably Eurocentric. This is popular science, and that comes with all of the usual good and bad. If the goal, though, is to offer an introduction and to excite curiosity, that mission has been accomplished. This outline, in the company of a congenial and well informed guide, struck me as a fine invitation to read further and more deeply about the field in general and about sites and discoveries of special interest.

(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

This book is a gold mine of information! If you love history, and are interested in archaeology, then this is a must read! I loved every single page! From cultures that we are familiar with, to some that are much less known, Brian Fagan takes us on a journey from the beginning of archaeology to modern techniques.

Absolutely engaging and informative!

This is a good introductory book in archaeology. It covers a lot of time periods and a lot of different cultures in just a few pages. That allows the reader to then look for more information elsewhere if they want to dig deeper. There are a lot of facts in this book, which can get a little dry. The author tries to keep it interesting but there were some boring parts.

A Little History of Archaeology is a fun, engaging introduction to the field of archaeology for a general audience. Brian Fagan takes the reader on a journey from the early days of treasure hunting to the modern science we now know as archaeology. The style is almost conversational at times as he relays the stories of the people who were important to the development of archaeology as a science. A Little History of Archaeology is both enjoyable and extremely informative. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy both history and science, and for those who are curious about the evolution of archeology.

<i> All artefacts, however humble, have a story to tell.</i> [loc 77]


This offering in the Little Histories series manages to be both informative and absorbing, covering much more than the basics by giving not only the important names and dates, but a sense of the ways in which thinking about and interacting with the past has changed over the years. Of course, advancements in science and technology innovated the field, extending the possibilities for investigation, while the concurrent professionalisation of the discipline moved it towards a more rigorous methodology. But equally, the book addresses what questions have been asked across time and what relative importance has been given to different aspects of archaeological remains, from the ‘frenzied scramble’ for valuable antiquities and fame to the less obviously sexy micro archaeology like food scraps and shell middens. All of this is set against the larger background of cultural, political, social, and religious change, following the ways in which archaeology responded to or informed wider society. The difficulties inherent in fitting human history within the framework of a biblical or Church structured timeline following Darwin’s Origin of the Species and the increasing evidence of provided by archaeological finds, is just one example.

The limited space means that the reader is hit hard with the ‘facts’, but the writing style is engaging enough that it’s no hard read. Maybe one to enjoy in small chunks so that the sheer amount of names and dates don’t seep into the void… (perhaps that’s just me). There’s a good deal of biography for such a short book, including time spent of female pioneers such as Gertrude Bell and Harriet Boyd. Some sections are more interesting than others, with my personal preference being for the sites of Classical Greece and Rome as well as Egypt, but there’s a wide ranging discussion that offers some insight on areas from around the globe. From the Rosetta Stone to Pompeii, to Great Zimbabwe and Mohenjodaro, India- this is no West is Best checklist. Neither does it leave out colonialism, imperialism, racism and the other ways of limiting access that have affected archaeology, though there is so much more to say on these topics and extra information must be found elsewhere. In any case, this is probably best used as a starting point, a chance to see what really interests you, so you can find a book with more depth for your next read. 

Overall, an effective and interesting introduction to archaeology that offers the reader a wealth of information and the possibility of even more to discover. A perfect for its subject.

ARC via Netgalley.

An excellent, easy to read overview of archaeology. From the early days up to present time, the author relates forty different chapters of stories. Each chapter is short and very engaging. I could see myself exploring pyramid and  ruins alongside the famous explorers. Very fun!

If I have a favorite archaeology writer, it’s gotta be Brian Fagan, longtime prof at UCSB (University of California, Santa Barbara). Pretty sure I’ve read all of his books, and that’s saying a lot.
In this entry, Fagan is even more subtlety humorous than usual. I love his note that Layard is the only archaeologist to find two palaces in the same day. Even though I’ve been studying archaeology for nearly 40 years, there’s some names in here I’ve never come across. Others I vaguely remember, or saw the name but didn’t follow up. He’s given me a lot of stuff to research (aka more things to do when I should be working).
I’ve read a lot of books like these—some by Dr. Fagan as well—introductions to archaeological sites all over the world, written for the general public. This does that too, but it goes further in depth, especially with the personalities. I like it.

I was really excited for this book, but I could barely make it through the introduction and a few pages of the first chapter. The introduction goes over a very brief history of the rise of modern archaeology as a true science, but I don't think Fagan even mentioned the destructive habits of early archaeologists. He treats them all with reverence as pioneering spirits. I was willing to look past that, hoping he would discuss this is more detail in specific chapters, but then chapter 1 starts off by talking about how Egypt was essentially lost and no one knew about it until Napoleon showed up. I'm nearly certain Egypt was never lost to the millions of people who lived there and around the Arabic world, nor were the Pyramids ever far from sight. This Western attitude and white-washing of history just isn't acceptable anymore. A more nuanced approach or even some discussion about a lack of interest from Egyptians at the time about their ancient history would have gone a long way. 

All of this said, I will admit I didn't read any further. I don't know how Fagan approaches other topics, or if he has a more well-rounded approach, but I couldn't get past the beginning to get to any of it.

Brian Fagan managed to present a history book that was actually easy to read. In "A Little History of Archaeology" he travels through several centuries, and even millennia, touching on several ancient societies such as those in Babylonia/Sumer and Great Zimbabwe to more modern times. For each place he visits, he manages to inform the reader about the more key elements in that regions establishment and it's previous connection to the world, i.e. Uruk and its connection to the Bible, Napoleón and his connection to deciphering the Egyptian hieroglyphics, and so on. However, the key promise in this book is not just on history and the archaeological evidence behind it but also the main question that has plagued men such as himself for eons: how did humanity originate? If one reads pass the surface layer, the underlying theme of Fagan's work can be understood: man's continuous search for humanity.

A Little History of Archaeology
(Little Histories)
by Brian Fagan

I received a complimentary ARC copy of A Little History of Archaeology by Brian Fagan from NetGalley and Yale University Press in order to read and give an honest review.

I have been a fan of Brian Fagan for a long time. His books are always enjoyable, packed with information and written in a way that is entertaining yet educational. In A Little History of Archaeology, Dr. Fagan does it again.

In A Little History of Archaeology, he walks us through history, showing us the humble beginnings and evolution of archaeology. His style is that of a person who loves his subject matter and he takes a subject which to some may seem complex and tedious and breaths life into it.

Dr. Fagan takes us along a journey traveling through time and visiting the far reaches of the earth. We begin with Napoleon's scientists aka "donkeys" in Egypt before "archaeology" had really begun. The "donkeys" who were a collection of experts in agriculture, art, engineering, and botany although methods somewhat crude were one of the first to explore with curiosity.  We meet the likes of Darwin, Clark, Kenyon, and Kelso, all of whom have paved the way to the advent of archaeology.

We get introductions to carbon dating, travel far a wide and learn so much along the way. Whether you are an armchair archaeologist or in the field, there is something in A Little History of Archaeology for everyone.

More historiography than history itself.  Details advancements and key points on archaeology over the years.  

Very short chapters and a lot of information, names, dates, etc are crammed in.  Essentially on chronological order which helps you cement the timeline of advancements.  Would suit a history buff or student.

I love the little history series and this was fascinating! Packed with factual detail and in an incredibly readable style, I loved this exploration of archaeology and great finds from the past. Recommended.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Yale University Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I have long admired Dr. Fagan, for his eloquence and clarity. He takes a very convoluted and complex subject and finds a way to make it understood by all. I am an archaeologist and thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a nice condense history, which could take many volumes. It is written in a way to get you involved and get you to think....endless posibilities!!  I think anyone with even a hint of interest in the past or archaeology would enjoy this book.

This short book (less than 300 pages) gives a whistle-stop tour of the history of archaeology from the early days of, effectively, tomb-robbing to the present where technology has almost taken away the need for digging at all. Of course, as well as explaining the development of archaeology as a science the book also explores the human history which archaeology covers. From early stone tools, through the rise of farming, the splendours of Egypt and other near-Eastern civilisations and onto the Romans and Greeks. We also visit China – the amazing terracotta armies – and cultures in North and South America, and in Africa we go beyond the usual to look at Greater Zimbabwe.  As well as the history and the science we also meet the archaeologists themselves: from the early days of gentleman amateurs to increasing levels of scientific and academic rigour. For every showboating Schliemann there is the less well-known Vincent Gaffney. (Which then takes me back to the years I worked at Bradford University where his brother Christopher developed the ‘geophys’ used on Time Team, and his niece Bella, a talented local folk singer – talk about six degrees of separation…). I feel I know a fair bit about archaeology and still managed to learn from this book. Because care is taken to explain any even slightly specialist term it is also a great introduction for anyone (from a keen youngster onwards) who wants to delve deeper than just watching an Indiana Jones film.

#AlittleHistoryOfArchaeology #NetGalley #UNESCO #Archaeology #WorldHistory

Brian explains and illustrates the story behind the biggest and most famous archaeological discoveries around the world. This is very interesting to know the behind scenes of the archaeology.

Long ago, when I was a senior in high school, I wanted more than anything to be either an Archaeologist or a Park Ranger, Both of those careers sounded perfect to me. I'd be outside, teaching others about the history around us, Unfortunately, my father talked me out of it saying it would be all but impossible for me to make a living doing either one. I still am enthralled by archaeology and all that in entails. This book was so interesting to me. If someone has a love of history, I think they would really enjoy this book.

This "Little" history of archaeology is packed full of information. Very readable and informative. Lovely illustrations, a shame there weren't more. A fascinating insight into the development of archaeology and the people who have contributed to it.

Part of the Little Histories series, A Little of History of Archaeology is a good overview of the discipline.  As befitting of the subject, Fagan slowly uncovers the beginnings of the pursuit from King Charles of Naples, at Herculaneum, up until the present day.  The enthusiastic introduction sets the book up nicely, throwing in some choice, lesser known facts to hook the reader and begin a globe-trotting journey through time.

We start the journey proper in Egypt, and travel all the way through to the present day, seeing the gradual honing of the archaeological craft, from haphazard digs chasing treasures – real or imagined – to the more careful, professional approach which has led us to a deep and ever-changing understanding of the past.

Throughout we meet some fascinating characters; adventurers, vicars, museum curators, army officers, and the like who all contribute in some way to the learning of an art and the teasing of knowledge, quite literally out of the ground, through their failures successes and frustrations.  The writing style is very light and everything is set out in a simple manner giving the reader an engrossing narrative that can be dipped in and out of at anytime without undue confusion.

Apart from the well documented and popular tourist destinations, there were a lot of lesser known stories and names of people and places, who contributed to the evolving picture of the growing of the field of Archaeology.  Everyone has surely heard of the Egyptians and Minoans but the Shoshone Indians and the city of Great Zimbabwe are less well-known and add some interesting stories.

The further forward we go through the book and in time, the further back archaeology begins to look backwards.  With constantly better technology, those millions of years of pre-history are shown chronicling our slow growth and path towards humans of today can more accurately be traced.  To see the tree of humans sprouting and branching out and to have all this at our fingertips is absolutely staggering,

The tantalising mystery of what else still remains to be uncovered (especially in China and perhaps, Mexico, to name but two countries), will excite every reader’s imagination. That uncovering the past is as much about the study of ruins and the local people’s oral histories, as it is about artifacts is really underlined here.

The short chapters make this a punchy, informative and up-to date read.   The book manages to be both dramatic and scholarly at the same time, balancing both neatly as it also touches on other ‘ologies’ such as, philology, dendrochronology, and geology, which all combine to help us understand the past in more depth. A Little History of Archaeology is really well told and I enjoyed its readability, whilst eagerly racing through its pages.

https://bookmust.wordpress.com/

While many of the hunts described in this book are interesting and many of the archeologists as well, I just was not captivated by the writing. Perhaps the author write in this dull style on purpose to combat the romantic notions the public might have about archeology. But it made for a not very good book.

An interesting look into archaeology that is written in a very accessible way. You don't need any prior knowledge of the subject to read this book. If you are interested in history and/or archaeology then I would recommend checking this book out.