Contemporary Archaeology in Theory - 9781405158534

"Contemporary Archaeology in Theory: The New Pragmatism is a great collection of texts to teach from, but it is much more than that. Preucel and Mrozowski have put together a landmark volume that combines a diversity of exciting contributions with a common intellectual agenda and purpose. One comes away from reading The New Pragmatism with a sense of a serious, mature discipline that combines academic rigour with social engagement."

Matthew Johnson, University of Southampton

"Far more than a second edition, this is a fully transformed, cutting-edge, thorough, truly monumental book that captures the richness of archaeological theory today for introductory and advanced readers alike."

Stephen Silliman, University of Massachusetts, Boston

"The new pragmatism advanced by the editors places archaeology within its social context, importantly in ways that can serve contemporary needs in the modern world. Archaeology is no longer innocent."

Peter Bellwood, Australian National University

"This collection of papers works beautifully as an overview of contemporary archaeological theory. It's framing as 'The New Pragmatism' is quite appropriate given the discipline's challenge to better address current social contexts and human needs."

Dean Saitta, University of Denver

This completely revised second edition of Contemporary Archaeology in Theory challenges the traditional boundaries between prehistoric and historical archaeologies, as well as those between time, space, things, and people. Essays by a distinguished group of archaeologists outline the emergence of a socially conscious archaeology by addressing the material mediation of contemporary social problems such as colonialism, industrialism, racialization, and globalization. Contemporary Archaeology in Theory: The New Pragmatism investigates the gradual incorporation of questions of identity, meaning, agency, and practice alongside those of system, process, and structure. This new edition is an essential reader for students and a thought-provoking assessment of the field for all archaeologists, indigenous peoples, and the concerned lay public.