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The Human Past: World Prehistory and the Development of Human Societies
edited by Chris Scarre. The scope of this book is immense, as is its contribution to the study of archaeology.
Hailed as 'a magnificent achievement' by eminent prehistorian Barry Cunliffe, it presents nineteen broad
geographical sections, in which numerous experts survey, in a most accessible and informative way, the whole
span of human prehistory, examining key social developments, new and emerging technologies, and tracing the
movement of human populations across the globe and the development of human experience. Each discussion,
whether it is of the chiefdoms of Polynesia, the mounds of North America, Mesopotamian Uruk, Mycenaean Greece,
Saharan hunters, Hittite Anatolia or Neanderthal Europe, includes a review of the controversies that have
interested experts in that area for decades and gives details on some of the most important sites in the
history of archaeology. Supported by numerous colour photographs, helpful illustrations, chronologies,
diagrams and maps, as well as panels of text that expand on certain topics, this is an invaluable reference
for both students of archaeology and anyone with an interest in prehistory.
784p, 753 illus, 211 in col (Thames & Hudson 2005) Pb £29.95
Time Team Book Club price £24.95 |
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Mosaics in Roman Britain: Stories in Stone
by Patricia Witts. When one thinks of mosaics, it is normally the stunning examples found in Rome's eastern
cities that come to mind, but the elite of Roman Britain were no different in their desire to fill their
houses with these entertaining expressions of status and good taste. This fully illustrated and very interesting
read focuses on the unexpectedly high number of mosaics that survive from Roman Britain, looking in particular
at those which depict people, animals or figures from myth. Following a brief overview of the construction and
execution of mosaics, Patricia Witts examines examples according to their theme. With sections on love stories,
heroes, gods and goddesses, personifications, hunters and gladiators, the book discusses the characteristics,
motifs and message of mosaics from villas in Cirencester, Chedworth, Lullingstone, Caerwent, Bignor, Fishbourne
and many other places. A final section searches for clues to the message that the villa owner and the artist
wished to communicate through their complex and often perplexing mosaics. Includes a list of places where mosaics
may be seen.
192p, 24 col pls, 75 b/w illus (Tempus 2005) Pb £17.99
Time Team Book Club price £12.95 |
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Castles in Context: Power, Symbolism and Landscape, 1066 to 1500
by Robert Liddiard. Castles are no longer seen simply as military structures, intended for war alone, towards
a wider view of castles as aesthetic symbols of power, with a more complicated relationship with the landscape.
Supported by lots of colour photos of the most 'tangible' remains of the Middle Ages, this clearly written and
very accessible study makes the most current ideas about the role of the castle available to a wider and more
general readership. Robert Liddiard discusses the history of castle building before and after the Norman
Conquest, and he reassesses the military defensive capabilities of castles, demolishing the idea that they were
built in response to military policy. Instead, they proved a very effective means for aristocrats to display
their status. Liddiard evaluates the role of the castle in warfare before looking at the varied role of the
castle in the landscape (and in the lives of those who lived in and around it) and its relationship to its
environment, arguing that the scenic and often stunning setting of many castles was not a happy accident.
178p, many col illus (Windgather 2005) Pb £18.99
Time Team Book Club price £15.95
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The Men of the Mary Rose: Raising the Dead
by A J Stirland. When the Mary Rose sank in front of Henry VIII's eyes on 19th July 1545 fewer than 50 of the
500-strong crew survived. Trapped by netting or below deck they stood little chance and their bodies and
belongings went to the bottom of the Solent. The skeletal remains of the crew provide a unique picture of
life aboard a Tudor ship as well as revealing valuable information about the Tudor population as a whole.
This fascinating study firstly presents the archaeological and historical background with discussions of the
ship's sinking in 1545 and the complicated procedure of its raising in 1982, Henry's navy, the construction
and armaments of the Mary Rose and its officers and crew. The second half examines the remains which were
trapped and intermingled at all levels of the ship. She discovers evidence for fractures and disease, and
finds tell-tale signs that indicate which of the men were archers and gun-crew.
185p, b/w pls and figs, tbs (Wiley 2000, Sutton Pb 2005) Pb £16.99
Time Team Book Club price £11.95 |
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Roads: Archaeology and Architecture
by Richard K Morriss. Many of Britain's roads have been maintained on more or less the same alignment for
2,000 years, maybe even longer. By excavating or surveying these monuments, for they are no less than
monuments, archaeologists can learn a wealth of information, not only about the skills or otherwise of past
road planners, engineers and builders, but also about the way in which authorities have stamped their mark
on the landscape. Landscape archaeology is currently enjoying a heyday and, therefore, this very well-written,
enjoyable and authoritative study is welcome. Having previously looked at Britain's railways, Richard Morriss
turns to the nation's roads with no less enthusiasm. He examines the administrative, military and economic
reasons for roads and the routes that they take, the earthworks that indicate lost roads once crossed the
landscape, tunnels and bridges, ferries and toll-houses and gates, roadsigns, milestones, buses, cars and
carparks. Prehistoric, Roman, medieval, turnpike and modern roads are all considered as are the archaeological
techniques that are best suited for analysing and understanding these most familiar of monuments.
288p, 126 b/w illus (Tempus 2005) Pb £19.99
Time Team Book Club price £14.95 |
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