ÒI have seen yesterday. I know tomorrow.Ó This inscription in TutankhamunÕs tomb summarizesÊThe Fifth Beginning. Here, archaeologist Robert L. Kelly explains how the study of our cultural past can predict the future of humanity. Ê In an eminently readable style, Kelly identifies four key pivot points in the six-million-year history of human development: the emergence of technology, culture, agriculture, and the state. In each example, the author examines the long-term processes that resulted in a definitive, no-turning-backÊchange for the organization of society. Kelly then looks ahead, giving us evidence for what he calls aÊfifth beginning, one that started about AD 1500. Some might call it Òglobalization,Ó but the author places it in its larger context:Êa five-thousand-year arms race, capitalismÕs global reach, and the cultural effects of a worldwide communication network. Ê Kelly predicts that the emergent phenomena of this fifth beginning will include the end of war as a viable way to resolve disputes, the end of capitalism as we know it, the widespread shift toward world citizenship, and the rise of forms of cooperation that will end the near-sacred status of nation-states. ItÕs the end of life as we have known it. However, the author is cautiously optimistic: he dwells not on the coming chaos, but on humanityÕs great potential. Ê Ê

Challenges the preconceptions that hunter-gatherers were Paleolithic relics living in a raw state of nature, instead crafting a position that emphasizes their diversity.

Because most of humanity's time as a species has been spent in a hunting-and-gathering subsistence mode, living hunter-gatherers have always played a pivotal role in interpretations of pre-history and anthropological theory. It is widely believed that "human nature" can be seen more clearly at this "stage" than at any other. Challenging this preconception, Robert L. Kelly crafts a new theoretical position by emphasizing the diversity among hunter-gatherer societies - a diversity that belies attempts to establish a single model of a predominant or "original" foraging lifeway. Kelly reviews the anthropological literature for the differences among ethnographically known hunter-gatherers. By considering the actual, not imagined, reasons behind diverse behavior, The Foraging Spectrum argues for a revision of many archaeological models of prehistory. Written for archaeologists and ethnologists outside the field of hunter-gatherer research, it stresses explaining, rather than explaining away, variability.

This new brief edition pairs two of archaeology's most recognized names--David Hurst Thomas of the American Museum of Natural History and Robert L. Kelly of the University of Wyoming. The authors' passionate, down-to-earth introduction to archaeological method and theory makes the book ideal for all students, whether or not they intend to pursue a career in archaeology. Students will gain an immediate, concrete impression of what the practice of archaeology involves. The authors include well-chosen examples to show how archaeologists have worked through actual problems in the field and in the lab. After using this text, students will be better able to ask questions, solve problems, and discern "truth" from "fiction." They will learn about the nature of archaeological data and how archaeologists do such things as archaeological survey and excavation. They will also develop their sense of scientific logic and gain a better understanding of career opportunities available to archaeologists. This edition is enhanced with a new full-color design that improves the visual presentation and enables students to more clearly see the key points of an image. A rich array of supplemental resources includes a new companion website as well as the option to use the DOING FIELDWORK: ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEMONSTRATIONS CD-ROM, Version 2.0, also developed by the authors.

This study examines prehistoric use of the Stillwater Marsh in the Carson Desert of western Nevada and the adjacent Stillwater Mountains based on an archaeological survey undertaken in 1980 and 1981, and excavations conducted in 1987.

This new edition by David Hurst Thomas and Robert L. Kelly pairs two of archaeology's most recognized names--with a combined 70 years of experience--for the first time. David Hurst Thomas of the American Museum of Natural History and Robert L. Kelly of the University of Wyoming bring readers a textbook rich with examples drawn from their experiences leading excavations over the past thirty years. A major revision, this fourth edition of ARCHAEOLOGY reflects the most recent research and changes in the field, while covering the core concepts in an exceptionally student-friendly fashion. This edition continues a tradition of academic rigor and engaging writing style that have made this text one of the most well-respected and best-selling texts in the discipline. The new edition is enhanced with full-color photos and a completely new design. The rich array of supplemental resources includes a new companion website, as well as the option to use a new CD-ROM, DOING FIELDWORK: ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEMONSTRATIONS developed by the authors. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.