Overview

Ideal for introduction to archaeology and world prehistory courses, The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory, eighth edition, is an engaging and up-to-date chronological overview of human prehistory. Kenneth L. Feder introduces students to ""the big picture""--the grand sweep of human evolutionary history--presenting the human past within the context of fundamental themes of cultural evolution. Feder's unique, refreshing, and accessible narrative personalizes the past and makes it relevant to today's students. Using a consistent chapter format--""Prelude, Chronicle, Issues and Debates, Messages from the Past, and Case Study Close-up""--Feder helps students master both what we know and what is still debated about the complex story of the human past.NEW TO THIS EDITIONNew and updated material on cutting-edge technology, such as remote imaging of archaeological landscapesUpdated research on Stonehenge and Göbekli TepeNew sections on the use of lidar in mapping the Maya and the prevalence and role of human sacrifice among the AztecsNew discussions of the Gini coefficient in calculating the degree of economic inequality that characterizes ancient complex societies, and death, wealth, status, and power in Chaco Canyon and Cahokia.This title is available as an eBook. Please contact your Learning Resource Consultant for more information.

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9780190059934

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Reviews

""The Past in Perspective is one of the best textbooks on world prehistory. I appreciate the attention that Feder puts into discussing the differences between consensus views, as well as the debates that might overturn established ideas. The organization, writing, and balance between different topics are excellent; it is clear that Feder went through considerable pains to make it accessible.""--Jason Nesbitt, Tulane University ""The Past in Perspective is personable, contemporary, and conversational. Feder's engaging writing style, curated selection of case studies, and funny anecdotes spark students' curiosity. He makes a concerted effort to be relatable and to boil concepts down to the simplest level. The student-oriented pedagogy definitely aligns with the present shift toward active learning; it encourages students to be more thoughtful and critical.""--Lindsay Der, University of British Columbia ""The Past in Perspective provides one of the best comprehensive and in-depth overviews of world prehistory, while also providing rich examples illustrating major milestones in technology, society, and other developments.""--Nicholas Jew, California State University, Los Angeles

The Past in Perspective is one of the best textbooks on world prehistory. I appreciate the attention that Feder puts into discussing the differences between consensus views, as well as the debates that might overturn established ideas. The organization, writing, and balance between different topics are excellent; it is clear that Feder went through considerable pains to make it accessible. --Jason Nesbitt, Tulane University The Past in Perspective is personable, contemporary, and conversational. Feder's engaging writing style, curated selection of case studies, and funny anecdotes spark students' curiosity. He makes a concerted effort to be relatable and to boil concepts down to the simplest level. The student-oriented pedagogy definitely aligns with the present shift toward active learning; it encourages students to be more thoughtful and critical. --Lindsay Der, University of British Columbia The Past in Perspective provides one of the best comprehensive and in-depth overviews of world prehistory, while also providing rich examples illustrating major milestones in technology, society, and other developments. --Nicholas Jew, California State University, Los Angeles

Author Information

Kenneth L. Feder is Professor of Anthropology at Central Connecticut State University. He is the author of several books, including Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology, Ninth Edition (2017), and Linking to the Past: A Brief Introduction to Archaeology, Second Edition (OUP, 2007).

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