--- product_id: 11343371 title: "Archaeological Theory: An Introduction" price: "9130 kr" currency: ISK in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.is/products/11343371-archaeological-theory-an-introduction store_origin: IS region: Iceland --- # Archaeological Theory: An Introduction **Price:** 9130 kr **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Archaeological Theory: An Introduction - **How much does it cost?** 9130 kr with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.is](https://www.desertcart.is/products/11343371-archaeological-theory-an-introduction) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Archaeological Theory, 2 nd Edition is the most current and comprehensive introduction to the field available. Thoroughly revised and updated, this engaging text offers students an ideal entry point to the major concepts and ongoing debates in archaeological research. New edition of a popular introductory text that explores the increasing diversity of approaches to archaeological theory Features more extended coverage of 'traditional' or culture-historical archaeology Examines theory across the English-speaking world and beyond Offers greatly expanded coverage of evolutionary theory, divided into sociocultural and Darwinist approaches Includes an expanded glossary, bibliography, and useful suggestions for further readings Review: Go-To book for a Basic Introduction to Archaeology - An easy-to-read, comprehensive consideration of major traditions in archaeological theory. Johnson is succinct and explicit, incorporating major scholars, historical influences, issues, critiques, and responses to critiques in each thematic chapter. In the first chapter he does the discipline (indeed, all disciplines) a favor by emphasizing both the importance and inevitability of theory in scientific research in a comprehensible manner. He also incorporates trends from both the American and British archaeological disciplines, considering historical influences that led to the academic divisions, as well as how each has influenced the other. His consideration begins with early trends in cultural history and includes evolutionary, behavioral, processual, and post-processual trends. I especially appreciate his attention to the differences between post-processual and post-modern, and evolution and neo-evolutionary approaches. He includes the work of scholars such as Childe, Binford, Tilley, Marx, Sahlins, and Hodder, and each chapter's case study provides a clear example of the chapter's theme. As a socio-cultural anthropology student, this is going to become my go-to reference book for basic information and reminders on archaeology and the scholars of each tradition. It would also make an excellent book for an introduction to theory for any student of archaeology, and would be accessible to general-level college classes. It was used in my upper-level graduate course as the groundwork for the dense academic articles assigned in tandem with the chapters (yes, we read the entire book). I would also recommend this book for any history enthusiast, dig volunteer, or curious person who desires a better understanding of how our viewpoints, social situations, and bias affect our research. Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for this exceptional textbook! This no-longer confused anthropologist is grateful :) Review: Five Stars - Clearly written with a strong thread of commonality that discusses the transformation of archaeology and the theoretical underpinnings. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #1,493,338 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #282 in Archaeology (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 61 Reviews | ## Images ![Archaeological Theory: An Introduction - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91lIi4hB13L.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Go-To book for a Basic Introduction to Archaeology *by C***E on November 5, 2015* An easy-to-read, comprehensive consideration of major traditions in archaeological theory. Johnson is succinct and explicit, incorporating major scholars, historical influences, issues, critiques, and responses to critiques in each thematic chapter. In the first chapter he does the discipline (indeed, all disciplines) a favor by emphasizing both the importance and inevitability of theory in scientific research in a comprehensible manner. He also incorporates trends from both the American and British archaeological disciplines, considering historical influences that led to the academic divisions, as well as how each has influenced the other. His consideration begins with early trends in cultural history and includes evolutionary, behavioral, processual, and post-processual trends. I especially appreciate his attention to the differences between post-processual and post-modern, and evolution and neo-evolutionary approaches. He includes the work of scholars such as Childe, Binford, Tilley, Marx, Sahlins, and Hodder, and each chapter's case study provides a clear example of the chapter's theme. As a socio-cultural anthropology student, this is going to become my go-to reference book for basic information and reminders on archaeology and the scholars of each tradition. It would also make an excellent book for an introduction to theory for any student of archaeology, and would be accessible to general-level college classes. It was used in my upper-level graduate course as the groundwork for the dense academic articles assigned in tandem with the chapters (yes, we read the entire book). I would also recommend this book for any history enthusiast, dig volunteer, or curious person who desires a better understanding of how our viewpoints, social situations, and bias affect our research. Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for this exceptional textbook! This no-longer confused anthropologist is grateful :) ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five Stars *by E***E on February 24, 2017* Clearly written with a strong thread of commonality that discusses the transformation of archaeology and the theoretical underpinnings. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Prolific Breadth, Approachable Depth *by H***T on August 29, 2012* To any student of of archaeology, from 101 to the professional, Johnson's coverage of archaeological theory is both palatable and engaging. Written in a conversational tone, consider this publication a breath of fresh air after reading some of the more dry and dense literature of theoretical overviews. In addition to being a great first introduction to archaeological theory for undergraduates or advocationalists, it is nonetheless a fantastic read for post-grads and professionals simply looking to review and reflect. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.is/products/11343371-archaeological-theory-an-introduction](https://www.desertcart.is/products/11343371-archaeological-theory-an-introduction) --- *Product available on Desertcart Iceland* *Store origin: IS* *Last updated: 2026-06-17*