Handbook of Archaeological Theories - Softcover

R. Alexander Bentley is assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology, Durham University, England. Herbert D. G. Maschner is professor of anthropology at Idaho State University, and the co-editor (with Christopher Chippindale) of the Handbook of Archaeological Methods (AltaMira Press 2005). Christopher Chippindale is research professor in archaeology at Cambridge University, curator for British collections at the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, and a former editor of the journal Antiquity.

The Handbook of Archaeological Theories is a book that should be in every library as the default guide for the latest archaeological theory. The great majority of the chapters are well written by archaeologists, anthropologists and other scholars who were either the original architects of, or are currently engaged in, refitting and renovating archaeological theory. (Diplo: Towards more inclusive and effective diplomacy, December 2009)

One thing that stands out about theory in today's archaeology is its incredible diversity. Nowhere is this diversity better treated than in this superbly edited collection that succeeds in doing what no other reference work has so far achieved: readers now have one source for comprehensive, authoritative, and practical discussions of the major theoretical perspectives in contemporary archaeology. The contributors are all well-known and respected experts from both North America and Europe. Following a useful introduction, the remaining 30 chapters are grouped into 5 parts: 'Research Paradigms,' 'Ideas from Neighboring Disciplines,' 'Research Concerns,' 'Contexts of Archaeological Study,' and 'Theory into Practice.' . . . Each chapter ends with a comprehensive bibliography, and the book concludes with a very helpful index. Although advanced undergraduate students will find this volume both useful and challenging, it will be of even greater value to graduate students and experienced scholars. . . . Essential. All academic libraries supporting instruction and research in archaeology. (. CHOICE, May 2008)