{"product_id":"field-archaeology-an-introduction-practical-fieldwork-guide","title":"Field Archaeology: An Introduction - Practical Fieldwork Guide","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Field Archaeology: An Introduction the bottom line is clear: this is an accessible, practical handbook for newcomers to excavation and fieldwork. Peter Drewett's revised second edition updates procedures, law and technology in a compact, usable format, making it especially valuable for students on introductory courses and volunteers on their first dig. The book's strength is its broad, process-focused approach that moves beyond the trench to explain how discovery, excavation and final reporting fit together, so readers learn both technique and context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComprehensive process overview:\u003c\/strong\u003e Covers the sequence from discovery and excavation through post-excavation reporting so readers understand the full lifecycle of fieldwork.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUpdated content:\u003c\/strong\u003e Incorporates recent developments in technology and changes in law to reflect current field practices rather than older methods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntroductory focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Written for those on entry-level courses or volunteering, with clear explanations that make practical techniques approachable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmphasis on reporting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Explains how the excavation leads to the published archaeological report, reinforcing why accurate recording matters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced coverage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Treats digging as one part of archaeology and gives equal attention to survey, recording and post-excavation analysis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eField Archaeology: An Introduction is best for first-year archaeology students, volunteer dig participants and hobbyists seeking a structured guide to field methods. Its clear, process-oriented chapters suit readers who want to understand both practical digging techniques and the rationale behind decisions made on site, making it a good companion for supervised fieldwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose needing exhaustive specialist manuals, detailed laboratory protocols, or advanced theoretical discussion should look elsewhere; this is an introductory handbook intended to prepare readers for hands-on field experience rather than serve as a specialist reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePractical, step-by-step coverage helps novices grasp how survey, excavation and reporting connect in real projects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eRevised edition includes newer technology and legal updates, keeping instruction relevant to contemporary fieldwork.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eClear, educational tone suits classroom use and quick reference on site for volunteers and students.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAs an introductory handbook it lacks the depth some advanced practitioners or specialists may require.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eField Archaeology: An Introduction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEdition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRevised second edition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeter Drewett\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiscovery, excavation, post-excavation and reporting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAudience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntroductory students and dig volunteers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePractical fieldwork practice and legal\/technological updates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eField Archaeology: An Introduction is a sensible purchase for anyone starting in field archaeology: students and volunteers will find its practical emphasis and updated material especially useful. It offers clear value as a compact handbook that links site practice to reporting, though those needing specialist depth should supplement it with technical manuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this book suitable for absolute beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The text is aimed at introductory courses and volunteer excavations, with clear explanations designed for first-time fieldworkers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this edition include modern techniques?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The revised second edition explicitly incorporates more recent technological developments and changes in the law relevant to field practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this replace specialist manuals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. It is a practical introductory handbook and should be used alongside specialist or laboratory texts for advanced technical detail.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peter Drewett","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48220749299931,"sku":"0415551188","price":199.63,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51yo2PxqQxL._SL1360.jpg?v=1770234316","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/field-archaeology-an-introduction-practical-fieldwork-guide","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}