Introduction to Rock Art Research

"""Formerly trivialized as ancient grafitti, rock art is now recognized as an important part of ancient cultures. This volume is a much-needed step in bringing it into the scholarly mainstream."" --American Archaeology ""A basic, clearly written introduction to rock art research which advocates an integrated approach that involves much more than fieldwork."" --Oxbow Newsletter ""David Whitley has written a wonderfully pragmatic book that places rock art studies in the mainstream of the rapidly changing archaeological world. This important guide is essential reading for both academic archaeologists and anyone concerned with heritage and site conservation. Strongly recommended as a fine starting point for student and professional alike."" --Brian Fagan, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, University of California Santa Barbara ""Renowned rock art scholar and director of a major contract archaeology firm, Whitley provides the first textbook-level introduction to rock art research as a mainstream specialty in anthropological archaeology. Whitley writes in a very accessible and engaging style, but provides sufficient detail where appropriate. He covers the entire range of rock art research, including fieldwork, dating, interpretation, management, and conservation. He also provides a very useful glossary and a comprehensive bibliography. This volume is highly recommended not only for students and the general public learning about rock art research for the first time, but also for faculty and other specialists seeking an authoritative update on this rapidly maturing specialty. While the coverage is similar, libraries that own Whitley's much more technical edited volume Handbook of Rock Art Research would be well advised to add this new volume to their collections. Summing Up: Essential. All levels/libraries"" --CHOICE ""This new book by David Whitley is hugely readable by anybody interested in rock art, whether they be students, beginners, enthusiasts or seasoned professionals. His long experience doing field work, teaching and thinking about the ins and outs of research (not necessarily in that order!) has enabled him to produce a well-balanced extremely useful book."" --Jean Clottes, French Ministry of Culture"