Africa - Anthropology & Sociology, Sub-Saharan Africa - Archaeology, Ancient Cultures - Archaeology, Physical Anthropology, Archaeology - General & Miscellaneous, Evolution
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Overview
In this readable, contemporary account, two of Africa's leading archaeologists present what we have learned about the development of human species in Southern Africa in 150 years of research. Generously illustrated with over 100 photos, drawings, and maps, the Deacons describe our primate ancestors, outline the process of emergence of the modern human species, and follow its development through Khoisan prehistory to the point of European contact. An ideal resource for professionals, text for university students, and reader for avocational archaeology.
Editorials
H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online
Hilary and Janette Deacon write a history of the Later Stone Age that is also an account of two long and distinguished careers in science.— Martin Hall, (Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town)
H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online
Hilary and Janette Deacon write a history of the Later Stone Age that is also an account of two long and distinguished careers in science.— Martin Hall, (Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town)
The Deacons have combined to write a very intelligible synopsis of South African prehistory.... Although intended primarily for beginning students, the book can be read as a review of research in the subcontinent, as was my goal, or to provide a cogent synopsis of hominid evolution or of general stone tool developments. On any level the authors write clearly and offer two lifetimes worth of archaeological insights.
— George H. Odell, (University of Tulsa)
Until now, specialists and lay people who sought a comprehensive, accessible account of South Africa's contributions to global prehistory were limited; Hilary Deacon and Janette Deacon have now filled the gap with a synthesis that is not only authoritative, comprehensive, and up-to-date but that is also eminently readable. The authority of the work stems from the Deacons' deep immersion in South African archaeology over more than thirty-five years and from their internationally recognised original research at numerous South African stone age sites. The text presents archaeological findings in a way that will allow interested readers to form their own opinions. If there is a problem with the book, it is perhaps that it is too modestly titled, for it is a fine introduction to the data and methods of modern stone age archaeology, not just in South Africa, but wherever it might be practised. Students and lay readers will especially appreciate the well-chosen illustrations, the marginal boxes that treat important concepts separately from the main text, and the entertaining, highly personal essays that introduce most chapters. Professionals will value the book for a synthesis that is as concise and lucid as it is thorough.
— R.G. Klein, (Stanford University)
Book Details
Published
April 28, 1999
Publisher
Walnut Creek, CA : Altamira Press, 1999.
Pages
224
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780761990864