The Handbook of British Archaeology

For over 25 years The Handbook of British Archaeology has been the foremost guide to archaeological methods, artefacts and monuments, providing clear explanations of all specialist terms used by archaeologists.

This completely revised and updated edition is packed with the latest information and now includes the most recent developments in archaeological science. Meticulously researched, every section has been extensively updated by a team of experts.

There are chapters devoted to each of the archaeological periods found in Britain, as well as two chapters on techniques and the nature of archaeological remains. All the common artefacts, types of sites and current theories and methods are covered. The growing interest in post-medieval and industrial archaeology is fully explored in a brand new section dealing with these crucial periods.

Hundreds of new illustrations enable instant comparison and identification of objects and monuments - from Palaeolithic handaxes to post-medieval gravestones. Several maps pinpoint the key sites, and other features include an extensive bibliography and a detailed index.

The Handbook of British Archaeology is the most comprehensive resource book available and is essential for anyone with an interest in the subject - from field archaeologists and academics to students, heritage professionals, Time Team followers and amateur enthusiasts.

“'Unsurpassed'-- Nicola Powell, The Archaeologist, 2005”

'Unsurpassed' - Nicola Powell, The Archaeologist, 2005

[It] saw me through my first degree, and accompanied me on many excavations. I still use it today, especially in teaching undergraduate, postgraduate and extra-mural students . . . essential reading. - Lynne Bevan, the Archaeologist, 2000

This excellent book has justifiably become one of the must-have manuals of British archaeology ... long may it continue - Minerva

Roy and Lesley Adkins, and Victoria Leitch (Author)

Roy and Lesley Adkins began their working career as field archaeologists at the new city of Milton Keynes in the mid-seventies. Their work then took them to south London before they set up an archaeological consultancy in the West Country. They first published The Handbook of British Archaeology as postgraduates in 1982 and have published many archaeology and history titles since. They are also the authors of bestselling general titles, the most recent of which are The War for All the Oceans, Trafalgar: The Biography of a Battle and Jack Tar: Life in Nelson's Navy.

Victoria Leitch gained a degree in History at the University of London and then spent several years working as an illustrated-book editor. She subsequently returned to academia and completed an MPhil in Anglo-Saxon and Romano-British Archaeology at Oxford University, where she is now studying for a doctorate, specializing in Roman North African ceramics. She has taken part in many excavations and has studied the pottery on a number of important sites, including Benghazi and Jarma in Libya, Lamta in Tunisia, and Pompeii, Cuma and Metaponto in Italy.

Roy & Lesley Adkins (Author)

Roy and Lesley Adkins are husband-and-wife historians and archaeologists. They live in Devon and are Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries of London, Fellows of the Royal Historical Society and Members of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. They are bestselling authors of books on history and archaeology, including Jack Tar, Trafalgar and The Keys of Egypt, which have been translated so far into seventeen languages. Eavesdropping on Jane Austen's England is their latest book and available now in paperback. Their website is and their blog is /.

Roy and Lesley are available for interviews and talks.

For over 25 years The Handbook of British Archaeology has been the foremost guide to archaeological methods, artefacts and monuments, providing clear explanations of all specialist terms used by archaeologists.This completely revised and updated edition is packed with the latest information and now includes the most recent developments in archaeological science. Meticulously researched, every section has been extensively updated by a team of experts.There are chapters devoted to each of the archaeological periods found in Britain, as well as two chapters on techniques and the nature of archaeological remains. All the common artefacts, types of sites and current theories and methods are covered. The growing interest in post-medieval and industrial archaeology is fully explored in a brand new section dealing with these crucial periods. Hundreds of new illustrations enable instant comparison and identification of objects and monuments - from Palaeolithic handaxes to post-medieval gravestones. Several maps pinpoint the key sites, and other features include an extensive bibliography and a detailed index. The Handbook of British Archaeology is the most comprehensive resource book available and is essential for anyone with an interest in the subject - from field archaeologists and academics to students, heritage professionals, Time Team followers and amateur enthusiasts.

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