Overview
The invention of metal detecting technology during the Second World War allowed the development of a hobby that has traditionally been vilified by archaeologists as an uncontrollable threat to the proper study of the past. This book charts the relationship between archaeologists and metal detectors over the past fifty odd years within an international context. It questions whether the great majority of metal detectors need be seen as a threat or, as some argue, enthusiastic members of the public with a valid and legitimate interest in our shared heritage, charting the expansion of metal detecting as a phenomenon and examining its role within traditional archaeology. A particular strength of the book is its detailed case studies, from South Africa, the USA, Poland and Germany, where metal detectors have worked with, and contributed significantly towards, archaeological understanding and research. With contributions from key individuals in both the metal detecting and archaeological communities, this publication highlights the need for increased understanding and cooperation and asks a number of questions crucial to the development of a long term relationship between archaeologists and metal detectors. PETER G. STONE is Head of the School of Arts and Cultures and formerly Director of the International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies at the University of Newcastle. He has been interested in the public's role and interest in archaeology for over twenty-five years and has published widely on this topic, especially with respect to formal and informal education. SUZIE THOMAS is a research postgraduate studying the relationships between archaeology and metal detecting.
Full Product Details
Author: Suzie Thomas ,
Peter Stone ,
Alan Saville ,
Ceinwen Paynton
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd
Imprint: The Boydell Press
Volume: v. 2
Dimensions:
Width: 17.20cm
, Height: 1.50cm
, Length: 24.00cm
Weight: 0.001kg
ISBN: 9781843834151
ISBN 10: 1843834154
Pages: 238
Publication Date: 16 April 2009
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Out of Print
Availability: Awaiting stock
Reviews
A pioneering engagement of archaeologists with detecting. BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY
This book succeeds, through a wealth of cases and voices, in demonstrating that the key to a fruitful future relationship between metal-detector users and archaeologists lies in the recognition of the importance of mutual communication and co-operation. ANTIQUARIES Archaeologists and policy makers will certainly have to account for the public's interest in the past and look at ways in which regulation, and even cooperation, can be used to ensure archaeological preservation. As a consequence, many in the heritage field would be well served by seeking out this collection, which aims to bring together the views of archaeologists and metal detectorists. (It) does a fine job of offering context to the current disagreements between archaeologists and metal detectorists. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY Both metal detectorists and archaeologists can learn much from the papers in this book. MINERVA A pioneering engagement of archaeologists with detecting. BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY
Author Information
(as of 1st April 2014) University Lecturer in Museology, University of Helsinki. Head of School, School of Arts and Cultures, Newcastle University; Professor of Heritage Studies
