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Frauds, Myths, And Mysteries: Science And Pseudoscience In Archaeology

Committed to the scientific investigation of human antiquity, Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology uses interesting archaeological hoaxes, myths, and mysteries to show how we can use science to learn things about the past. By placing wildly inaccurate claims within the context of the scientific method, this indispensable supplementary text demonstrates how science approaches questions about human antiquity and, in doing so, shows where pseudoscience falls short.

Paperback: 416 pages

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education; 8 edition (April 15, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0078035074

ISBN-13: 978-0078035074

Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.6 x 9.1 inches

Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #102,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #39 in Books > Textbooks > Social Sciences > Archaeology #124 in Books > History > Historical Study & Educational Resources > Archaeology #9484 in Books > Science & Math

I became aware of Dr. Feder when I heard him on the Monster Talk podcast. I figured that someone who was so enjoyable to listen to must be just as enjoyable to read, and I was right. Dr. Feder accomplishes 2 things with this book, first he addresses some of the most common stories and legends that impact his area of scholarship, second he teaches readers how to think critically and to evaluate new and different claims. Before I purchased this book I read reviews of his previous edition. Frequently the reviewers were upset that Dr. Feder had not addressed their pet theory abt a particular claim. For those of you who have read them as well, let not your heart be troubled. Of course Dr. Feder cannot address every single claim abt Atlantis or aliens or giants. He picks the most common claims and then applies a very simple critical method to explain why they are unsupported in the archaeological record. This technique can be easily applied by the reader to any pet theory that he left out. Dr. Feder made no definitive statements without citing to not only scientific consensus but to either the absence of physical evidence for or the abundance of physical evidence against the various issues he presents. One unique thing that Dr. Feder does not do is that he does not get beyond his skill set. Although he may refer to other issues that people should be skeptical of he does not address them the way he does archaeological issues.The only reason that I did not give it 5 stars is that I wish it was longer. Viewed as a text book it is probably the easiest to read and most accessible text book I have ever bought. It reads quickly and Dr. Feder avoids complicated explanations and jargon and by the end I wanted more to read.The book is not cheap but I do believe that I got my money's worth.

It was an alright book. I rented this book through the kindle for a class. It showed archaeology in an easy way to understand, using funny stories that related to the chapters. Overall, I didn't really needed it for the class, so I'm sad to have wasted money, but it was enjoyable.

Great book! Very interesting learning all of it!

Good book

Great book. Feder's use of humor makes this book an easy read.

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