The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory - Softcover

Feder, Kenneth L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195391357 ISBN 13: 9780195391350

Publisher: Oxford Univ Pr, 2010

Synopsis

Ideal for introduction to archaeology and world prehistory courses, The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory, Fifth Edition, is an engaging and up-to-date chronological introduction to human prehistory. Kenneth L. Feder introduces students to "the big picture"--the grand sweep of human evolutionary history--presenting the human past within the context of fundamental themes of cultural evolution. Written in a refreshingly accessible voice, this narrative of human prehistory personalizes the past and makes it relevant to today's students.

Using a consistent chapter format--Prelude, Chronicle, Issues and Debates, and Case Study Close-up--Feder helps students master both what we know and what is still being debated about the complex story of the human past. Each chapter also includes an overview; a timeline of events, maps pinpointing locations of sites discussed, site lists with page references, a chapter summary, key terms (defined in the glossary at the back of the book), and suggested reading lists.

New to This Edition

* Updated information about early hominin finds, including Ardipithecus (Chapter 3), Homo floresiensis (Chapter 4), Sima del Elefante Cave in Spain (Chapter 4), the reconstruction of the Neandertal genome (Chapter 5), and the spectacular array of artifacts recovered at Hohle Fels Cave in Germany (Chapter 6)

* New information on methodology, such as strontium isotype analysis for tracing geographic sources (Chapter 2), molecular archaeology (Chapter 5), and forensics (Chapter 1)

* New information and a summary that updates our understanding of the peopling of the Americas and Australia (Chapter 7)

* New chapter (8) "After the Ice: The Food-Producing Revolution"--a combined and streamlined version of Chapters 8 and 9 of the Fourth Edition--with new information about China and the domestication of the horse, as well as the complex at Gobeckli Tepe in Turkey

* New information on the Olmec and the recent excavation at Stonehenge (Chapter 9)

* A reorganization and updating of Chapters 10 and 11, with significant new material on China

* A greatly expanded discussion of the roots of complexity in Mesoamerica, South America, aboriginal North America, and sub-Saharan Africa (Chapters 12-14)

About this title

From the Publisher:

A focus on major themes of the human evolutionary story with archaeological findings integrated into the discussion of these themes.
A consistent format in the chapters dealing with the human story:
The Prelude ' amusing anecdotes or personal perspectives that relate directly to the chapter topic.
The Chronicle - the hard data and consensus interpretations of the chapter's focus in a succinct format.
The Issues and Debates - exploration of the uncertainties of our interpretations.
Case Study Close-Ups - in-depth looks at sites representative of each chapter's major theme(s).
Visiting the Past - descriptions of sites and museum exhibits related to chapter discussions.Presentation of a modern view of the past in the context of a historical continuum of intellectual growth and debate.
An appropriate level of detail for undergraduates with no previous exposure to archaeology.
Student learning aids including maps pinpointing locations of sites discussed, timelines, chapter summaries, key terms, suggested reading lists, a glossary, and 16 pages of full color photos grouped thematically.
Increased emphasis on post-Pleistocene societies and the rise of civilization.
An increased discussion of the evolution of complex societies in both the Old World and the New World. See Chapters 12-15.
Overview of the Miocene period and the essential context and background for all later hominid evolution condensed and placed at the beginning of the chapter on African Roots (Chapter 4).
Significant updating of material on the Neandertal has been added to Chapters 6-7.
Peopling of the New World is reexamined, including discussions of Monte Verde and Kennewick Man (Chapter 9).

About the Author:

Kenneth L. Feder is Professor of Anthropology at Central Connecticut State University. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including Linking to the Past: A Brief Introduction to Archaealogy, Second Edition (OUP, 2007), Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology (2010); and Human Antiquity: An Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Arehaeology (2006).
Kenneth L. Feder is Professor of Anthropology at Central Connecticut State University. He is the author or coauthor of several books, includingLinking to the Past: A Brief Introduction to Archaeology, Second Edition (OUP, 2007);Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology (2010); and Human Antiquity: An Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology (2006).

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford Univ Pr
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0195391357
• ISBN 13: 9780195391350
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 546