Venerable British archaeologist Coles wrote this description and guide when experimental archaeology was only some 10 years old, and it has remained an accessible introduction as the field has grown up around it. It interprets archaeological remains by asking what ancient people (to update his non-inclusive language) were doing and why they were doing it. He explains how it has been applied in discovery and exploration, subsistence, settlement, arts and crafts, and life and death. A new preface by Roeland Paardekooper places the landmark work in context, and identifies a number of websites for current information. Annotation 2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
