This volume is a comprehensive, critical introduction to vertebrate zooarchaeology, the field that explores the history of human relations with animals from the Pliocene to the Industrial Revolution. The book is organized into five sections, each with an introduction, that leads the reader systematically through this swiftly expanding field. Section One presents a general introduction to zooarchaeology, key definitions, and an historical survey of the emergence of zooarchaeology in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and introduces the conceptual approach taken in the book. This volume is designed to allow readers to integrate data from the book along with that acquired elsewhere within a coherent analytical framework. Most of its chapters take the form of critical "review articles," providing a portal into both the classic and current literature and contextualizing these with original commentary. Summaries of findings are enhanced by profuse illustrations by the author and others.
"Zooarchaeology is the study of animal remains from archaeological deposits. Gifford-Gonzalez (emer., Univ. of California, Santa Cruz) has worked on such remains for nearly 40 years, with an emphasis on vertebrates (especially mammals) from early agricultural contexts. ... the text covers aspects of interpretation, including human interaction with prey animals, human behavioral ecology and group relations, and some thoughts for the future of zooarchaeology. ... Summing Up: Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates and above." (E. Delson, Choice, Vol. 56 (03), November, 2018)