An Excellent Overview

Lives in Ruins: Archaeologists and the Seductive Lure of Human Rubble - Marilyn Johnson

Marilyn Johnson interviewed, and worked with, a variety of archaeologists in order to create an entertaining look at the field. Whether it was a cultural resource management firm, a group of specialists from a conference, or a DoD civilian archaeologist working to teach cultural sensitivity to soldiers deploying around the world, each had an interesting tale to tell.

 

In other words, Johnson takes us into the real world of archaeology, far from the flash and excitement of Indiana Jones. The hours are long, the pay is low, and the jobs are few. Yet, these dedicated scientists continue to do the work because they feel that it has chosen them somehow.

 

While entertaining, this book still shows the rough and unglamorous reality of an important field. Well worth reading.