Biomolecular Archaeology

Reviews / Votes

"This book is a perfect introduction into biomolecular archaeologynot only for students interested in the field but also forexperienced archaeologists, palaeontologists and archaeobiologistswho engage in interdisciplinary research involving the analysis ofbiomolecules. It is written by one of the most prominent genomictextbook authors, Terry Brown, a pioneer in ancient DNA researchand the origins of plant domestication. In this book, his qualitiesas both an excellent textbook writer as well as a brilliantmolecular biologist merge to explain even the most advancedsequencing methods used in palaeogenomics in a way that isunderstandable for non-experts. The contribution of Keri Brownensures that the book is relevant to researchers working in thefield. Biomolecular Archaeology makes for an ideal manualfor archaeologists and students eager to exploit the newestscientific developments to answer typical archaeological questionsand better interpret the information buried in the archaeologicalsites they are working on." Eva-Maria Geigl, Université Paris Diderot "The study of ancient and extant biomolecules hasrevolutionized archaeological methodologies. This textbook is anexcellent, user-friendly introduction to biomolecular techniquesand applications for beginning students in archaeology and physicalanthropology." Linda Stone, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, WashingtonState University "This is a timely and welcome contribution to the rapidlydeveloping field of biomolecular archaeology, covering the basicscience as well as an introduction to the applications. It willbecome essential reading." A.M. Pollard, University of Oxford "There are fewer and fewer areas of archaeology which are immuneto biomolecular analysis. Technological innovation combined with agreater understanding of molecular survival has increasedreliability of analyses and interpretation, makingbiomolecular research amongst the fastest moving and mostexciting areas in modern archaeology. This book, helped by its easyand accessible style, leads the reader in alogical progression from the molecules themselves to theirapplication in the study of demography, diet, innovation andmigration; it should be recommended reading for all new students ofarchaeology." Matthew Collins, University of York "The authors have done a stupendous job, with the scientificnature of DNA and other biomolecular studies understandable forarchaeologists, and the archaeological applications of thesemethods clear to all." Robert Tykot, University of South Florida