The Gourd Book - Softcover

Charles B. Heiser (author)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0806125721 ISBN 13: 9780806125725

Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press, 1993

Synopsis

Gauging the impact of one scholar’s contributions to modern archaeologyFor an appreciation of the growth of American archaeology over the second half of the twentieth century, one need look no further than the career of Gordon R. Willey. A preeminent archaeologist and New World theorist, Willey made innumerable contributions to the prehistory of the Americas and helped establish the leading methodological and theoretical paradigm used in American archaeology.This volume of original essays gauges the wide-ranging impact of Willey’s lifework. The editors have selected ten of his key publications and solicited assessments of their lasting influence from well-known archaeologists. These works cut across geographic regions and areas of inquiry and represent some of the most challenging intellectual questions in archaeology, explaining Willey’s methods while revealing how greatly his work shaped the field.The articles reflect the importance of Willey’s research in coastal Peru in developing the field of Andean archaeology, and show how his application of the settlement pattern approach to the Belize Valley forever transformed the archaeology of Mesoamerica.This volume not only analyzes Willey’s impact on culture history and archaeological thought but also shows his human side, places his writing in historical context, and offers a unique overview of the growth of American archaeology over the past six decades. To understand the work of Gordon R. Willey is to understand the history and future direction of American archaeology.

About this title

Review:

"The Gourd Book successfully combines the many kinds of information about gourds into one accurate, readable, well-illustrated account. . . . The most comprehensive work yet written on the subject."-- Library Journal

About the Author:

Charles B. Heiser, Jr., received the Ph.D. degree from the University of California at Berkeley and was Professor of Botany in Indiana University. He authored several books on botanical subjects, among them The Sunflower, also published by the University of Oklahoma Press.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0806125721
• ISBN 13: 9780806125725
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256