Dug to Death: A Tale of Archaeological Method and Mayhem / Edition 1

by Adrian Praetzellis

Overview

Dr. Hannah Green—heroine of Praetzellis's textbook-as-novel Death by Theory—has really gotten herself into trouble this time. The spunky archaeologist has been asked to manage the contract archaeology project at a historic site in New Zealand when the regular archaeological staff of University of Invercargill abruptly dies off. On the scene, Hannah discovers she needs to teach her team about research design, survey methods, archival research, professional ethics, curation, and especially field safety, if they are to complete the contract before young Mr. Wallace levels the site in favor of a golf course. With a cast of characters that includes Missy-Jojo-the-Dog-Faced-Girl as lab supervisor, erotic romance writer and field volunteer Elena Solara, the ghost of socialite Bunny Wallace, and shovelbum Rusty Spittle, Praetzellis' brief textbook-as-novel introduces students to the hows and whys of field methodology in an entertaining but informative way. Ideal for your introductory archaeology classes and probably the only textbook you'll enjoy reading yourself.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780759104075
Publisher:	AltaMira Press
Publication date:	08/28/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	6.11(w) x 9.12(h) x 0.57(d)

About the Author

Adrian Praetzellis is Professor of Anthropology at Sonoma State University and author of the archaeological textbook-mystery novel Death by Theory.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Acknowledgements Chapter 2 An Introduction for Teachers and Others of Superior Intellect Chapter 3 Dramatis Personae. The Cast in Order of their Appearance Chapter 4 Chapter 1.A BEGINNING AND AN END: Contract Archaeology & Safety Chapter 5 Chapter 2. A SHOCK: Archaeological Site & Survey Chapter 6 Chapter 3. A PERFORMANCE: Historical Research & Primary Records Chapter 7 Chapter 4. A VISITATION: Myth & Professional Ethics Chapter 8 Chapter 5. A CLIMB: Consult & Research Design Chapter 9 Chapter 6. A WOLF: Context & Budget Estimate Chapter 10 Chapter 7. AN OFFER: Structure and Content & Professional Distance Chapter 11 Chapter 8. AN ASSUMPTION: Objectivity & Curation Chapter 12 Chapter 9. A STORY: TPQ & Archaeological Survival Chapter 13 Chapter 10. A SINKING FEELING: Dug to Death & Dig Chapter 14 Chapter 11. AN END AND A BEGINNING: Publication & Empiricist Chapter 15 Epilog Chapter 16 For Further Reading Chapter 17 Glossary Chapter 18 Index Chapter 19 About the Author/Illustrator

Editorial Reviews

Praetzellis has succeeded in doing what many other archaeological writers have attempted and fallen short. In Dug to Death, he has found a way to present archaeology that is education and truly entertaining at the same time. By presenting serious archaeological concepts and issues in methodology in a fictional format, Praetzellis has developed what may be the most effective way to talk about archaeology to audiences not very familiar with how archaeology really works. . . Dug to Death is a fun introduction to the nitty-gritty details of archaeology, presenting a tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the discipline while still managing to communicate what archaeologists do, why they do it that way, and why archaeology itself is important.

Industrial Archeology

In Adrian Praetzellis' book Dug to Death...he describes in deeply affecting fashion some of the myriad things that go horribly awry on an archaeological dig...If you want to be an archaeologist, if you really want to know what being an archaeologist is all about, go on a field school. And take this book with you.

Archaeology.About.Com - K. Kris Hirst

The author provides clear and elementary definitions and introduces key points of ethical interest, accomplishing his purpose with a clear style and logical organization.

CHOICE, May 2004 - T.A. Floor

In Adrian Praetzellis' book Dug to Death...he describes in deeply affecting fashion some of the myriad things that go horribly awry on an archaeological dig...If you want to be an archaeologist, if you really want to know what being an archaeologist is all about, go on a field school. And take this book with you.
— K. Kris Hirst

Archaeology.About.Com