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Archaeological Theory: An Introduction. Matthew Johnson. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers Inc., 1999. 240 pp.
Today's instructor of archaeological theory can select materials ranging from Bruce Trigger's classic A History of Archaeological Thought (Cambridge University Press, 1989) to Robert Preucel and Ian Hodder's edited Contemporary Archaeology in Theory: A Reader (Blackwell, 1996). The former presents comprehensive overviews of earlier periods but nothing on the complex changes of the past decade, while the latter includes seminal recent articles and discussion but gives rather short shrift to processual concerns; both can be dense going for the average undergraduate. Matthew Johnson's addition to this genre is an accessible and intelligent general introduction to archaeological theory for the beginning student. Johnson's purpose is not only to present and critique the major developments in archaeological theory over the past century but also to contextualize theory within larger intellectual movements. He does so in a direct and simplified manner likely to entice rather than frustrate students who have some basic knowledge of archaeology but little strong background in the history of science or philosophy. Johnson draws upon years of teaching experience to create a theory "route map" both for students and for that element of dirt archaeologists for whom "theory is an object of profound suspicion" (p. x). Writing primarily for this audience, Johnson keeps his text readable with short, direct chapters composed in an engaging, noncombative style laced with humor and the occasional cartoon. The voice of an imaginary "Roger Beefy" interjects at intervals with the familiar plaints of the theory skeptic, which Johnson then addresses. Johnson avoids obfuscatory jargon but discusses and contextualizes difficult terms, many of which are defined in a glossary at the back.
Johnson does not provide, nor does he claim to provide, a comprehensive encyclopedia of theory. As he avows, the content of the book closely reflects the author's intellectual pedigree and interests. Johnson teaches at the University of Durham, where he specializes in theory and in English domestic architecture and landscape (A.D. 1300-1800). Although Johnson does not pretend to be impartial, there is no postprocessual ranting here. The author's goal is not to persuade readers to share his opinions but rather to get them to critically evaluate arguments and make up their own minds. Johnson's...