Past in Perspective - Softcover

Feder, Kenneth L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0767411927 ISBN 13: 9780767411929

Publisher: Mayfield Publishing Co ,U.S., 1999

Synopsis

This engaging introduction to the human prehistoric past presents the chronicle of human physical and cultural evolution. Rather than an encyclopedic, all-inclusive survey of the human evolutionary story, this text presents human prehistory within a framework of themes, issues, and debates.

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

Ken Feder received his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Connecticut in 1982. He is a full professor in the Department of Anthropology at Central Connecticut State University where he has taught since 1977. He is the founder and director of the Farmington River Archaeological Project, an on-going survey of an inland, upland valley in north central Connecticut. He is the author of several books including Human Antiquity: An Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology (with Michael Park); Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology; A Village of Outcasts: Historical Archaeology and Documentary Research at the Lighthouse Site; The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory; Field Methods in Archaeology (co-editor with Tom Hester and Harry Shafer); Lessons from the Past: An Introductory Reader in Archaeology (editor); and Dangerous Places: Health, Safety, and Archaeology (co-edited with David Poirier). He is a Fellow of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. He has been the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award at Central Connecticut State University. He has appeared on a number of television documentaries about archaeology for BBC Horizon, the History Channel, and the Learning Channel. He lives in West Simsbury, Connecticut with his wife, two sons, and three bad cats.

Edition details

• Publisher: Mayfield Publishing Co ,U.S.
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0767411927
• ISBN 13: 9780767411929
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2