THE IDEA OF PREHISTORY

by Glyn Daniel ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 27, 1963

This scholarly and readable study of the development of modern archeological theory and practice consists of eight lectures given by the author, a Cambridge historian and archeologist, in 1957 at the University of Birmingham. Defining ""prehistory"" (believed to cover from 30,000 to 100,000 years) as that period of man's development before he used writing in any form, the author tells of the changing ideas of prehistory, particularly those of the last 100 years, and of the men and discoveries responsible for these changes. Biblical theory that the earth was created on Oct. 23, 4004 B.C., was shattered by Lyell and Darwin in the first half of the 19th century and by the discovery of human fossils far predating Noah's Flood. Prehistorians, who must be archaeologists, have wrested historical fact from prehistoric ""garbage"" and wreckage, and by ""the skilled use of archeological reconnaissance, excavation and interpretation have recreated a past which seemed forever gone"". Addressed to an English audience but of interest to American readers as well, this erudite and pleasantly informal book will appeal to archaeologists and anthropologists, both literate amateurs and seasoned professionals; students and teachers will value it for its excellent bibliography and bibliographical notes.

Pub Date: March 27, 1963

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1963

Categories: NONFICTION