Archaeological Theory
"Johnson does not simply give an excellent introduction to the labyrinth of-ismsthat comprise contemporary archaeological theory. He also frames each competing theoretical strand in its historical context...Matthew Johnson has written a seminal textbook that is destined to become a classic and should become required reading for anyone wanting to become an archaeologist."American Journal of Archaeology.<!--end-->"A very good introduction...It is written in an accessible, engaging style."Archaeology Ireland."Archaeological theory today consists of a bewildering variety of positions and perspectives, subtly interacting and ever changing. Mathew Johnson sheds considerable light on this complex landscape in his valuable new bookArchaeological Theory: An Introduction.Written in an engaging and accessible manner, it provides an excellent account of the linkages between theory, practice, and intellectual context as it ranges from the origins of the New Archaeology to the emergence of contemporary positions such as feminism, poststructuralism, and phenomenology. I recommend it highly to students and colleagues alike."Robert W. Preucel, Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania."A genuinely accessible and lively 'route map' to the developments in theory since the 'New Archaeology' of the early 1960s ... This is a theoretical textbook that is a pleasure to read."Post-Medieval Archaeology.