Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology / Edition 9

by Kenneth L. Feder

Overview

FRAUDS, MYTHS, AND MYSTERIES is an increasingly indispensable supplementary text that uses interesting archaeological hoaxes, myths, and mysteries to show how we can truly know things about the past through science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190629656
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	02/01/2017
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Kenneth L. Feder is Professor of Anthropology at Central Connecticut State University. He is the author of several books, including The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory, Eighth Edition (OUP, 2019), and Linking to the Past: A Brief Introduction to Archaeology, Second Edition (OUP, 2007).

Table of Contents

1. SCIENCE AND PSEUDOSCIENCE
2. EPISTEMOLOGY: HOW YOU KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW
3. THE GOLIATH OF NEW YORK: THE CARDIFF GIANT
4. DAWSON'S DAWN MAN: THE HOAX AT PILTDOWN
5. WHO DISCOVERED AMERICA?
6. AFTER THE INDIANS, BEFORE COLUMBUS?
7. THE MYTH OF THE MOUNDBUILDERS
8. LOST: ONE CONTINENT—REWARD
9. PREHISTORIC E.T.: THE FANTASY OF ANCIENT ASTRONAUTS
10. GOOD VIBRATIONS: PSYCHICS, DOWSERS, AND PHOTO-FIELDS
11. OLD TIME RELIGION—NEW AGE HARMONICS
12. REAL MYSTERIES OF A VERITABLE PAST
Appendix A: Video Companion Guide
References
Index
At the end of each chapter: Frequently Asked Questions / Best of the Web / Critical Thinking Exercise

Editorial Reviews

"This is a highly readable, comprehensive book that covers topics that all archaeologists have to deal with on a daily basis when we interact with the public. When someone asks me about last night's episode of Ancient Aliens or the latest claim of the discovery of the real Atlantis, this is the book I suggest."—Susan Johnston, George Washington University

"Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries is the go-to textbook for anything related to pseudoarchaeology. It is written in a highly engaging style and covers a wide range of sites and topics that are familiar to students. There is no other book I would recommend more to colleagues—or to anybody interested in learning more about archaeological myths and mysteries."—Jacob J. Sauer, Vanderbilt University

"Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries has stood the test of time as the textbook for teaching critical thinking, the value of the scientific method, and the value of all that 'real deal' archaeology. Feder's sardonic wit, amusing personal anecdotes, and rigorous attention to detail makes it essential reading for the aspiring archaeologist."—Heather Rockwell, University of Wyoming

"Feder gathers together a splendid collection of pseudoscience and nonsense. He has read it all so you don't have to!"—Keith Eppich, Collin College

From the Publisher