The Story of Archaeology: In 50 Great Discoveries

Here in living color plates, we get to share the beauty, awe and complexity of the most unique if not some of the best of what man in different lands, cultures and in different times has wrought over the last four millennia. The author, Justin Pollard, has produced, not just an exquisite set of color photos, to go along with his professional level narrative, but also does not leave us in awe about how the archaeology used to present them is done. Step-by-careful step, he also walks us thorough the techniques of the experts as he reveals to us the wonders of Angkor Wat, the Rosetta Stone, Machu Picchu, China's Terra Cotta army and so many others. There is a treasure trove of knowledge and excitement to be had in this one book. I picked it up at my wife's suggestion in a used bookstore and was not disappointed. Beautifully annotated with timelines and maps, it is "archaeology in a bottle," the richness of which will leave a lasting impression on the reader. My favorite piece was of course the author's initial study of the Khmer kingdom of Angkor Wat, which I had the pleasure of visiting while in Cambodia in 1999. We took a small prop plane into the region and spent the better part of a week there. However, much of what was visible was grown over and covered with jungle-like vegetation. Almost without exception, one had to be content with a "bird's eye view" of what was narrowly visible between the brush, or had to rely on poorly prepared souvenir brochures, and even then had to use his imagination to discern what this ancient kingdom must have looked like in perspective. Pollard allows us to be emerged in the history and times of this and fifty other exciting discoveries, as an archaeologist would be, giving not just the normal tourist's perspective but that of a seasoned professional. This is a fine sampling of archaeology: the craft, and some of its best findings that is not to be taken lightly. Five stars.

This book is a great overview of 50 of the greatest discoveries in archaeology--organized by date of discovery. 2-4 pages are devoted to each discovery, so it doesn't go into a lot of detail. There are many nice pictures throughout.