The Adventure of Archaeology/ Brian M. Fagan.

Brian Fagan's "The Adventure of Archaeology" is without a doubt the finest book of its type. Dr. Fagan runs through the history of archaeology in language that is interesting and understandable to scientists and non-scientists alike. Dr. Fagan's story describes the events and circumstances surrounding the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made. He hits one major discovery after another as the science of archaeology unfolds through the ages, from Nabonidus (One of the first archaeologists in the sixth century B.C.) to archaeology's very uncertain future. By its nature, the doing of archaeology destroys what it intends to preserve. Once a site has been excavated it becomes a list of artifacts and data. Every day there is less of the past that can be successfully retrieved from its surroundings, causing archaeology to become more of a science of interpretation and less one of actual excavation. The breathtaking photography alone is worth the price of this edition. This wonderful book is one that you will find yourself coming back to again and again to relive the thrill felt by those who were lucky enough, or knowledgeable enough, to make the past live again