Vertebrate Taphonomy (Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology) - Softcover

Lyman, R. Lee

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521458404 ISBN 13: 9780521458405

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1994

Synopsis

In recent years archaeologists and paleontologists have become increasingly interested in how and why vertebrate animal remains become, or do not become, fossils. Vertebrate Taphonomy introduces interested researchers to the wealth of analytical techniques developed by archaeologists and paleontologists to help them understand why prehistoric animal remains do or do not preserve, and why those that preserve appear the way they do. This book is comprehensive in scope, and will serve as an important work of reference for years to come.

About this title

Book Description

Archaeologists and paleontologists have become increasingly interested in how and why vertebrate animal remains become, or do not become, fossils. The analytical techniques introduced in this text will help researchers understand the principles of vertebrate preservation.

Review

"...a comprehensive, detailed and accurate book that will make taphonomy accessible to specialists and nonspecialists alike. It is essential reading for all vertebrate palaeontologists, archaeologists and palaeoecologists and provides crucial background information for workers in other disciplines who use fossil material, especially molecular biologists attempting to extract DNA from fossil bone." Nature

"Vertebrate Taphonomy succeeds through a combination of clear writing, high-quality illustrations, and Lyman's encyclopedic knowledge...A good discussion, extensive up-to-date bibliography, and generally excellent glossary round out this highly recommended volume." E. Delson, Choice

"...bold in its wide coverage....Readers will see wisdom in this book, a welcome development in a field where all publications are touted as final authorities....fair and fluid, comprehensive and nonconfrontational....you leave educated and edified." Gary Haynes, Journal of Middle Atlantic Archaeology

"Lyman's book is a major scientific contribution and is both an excellent teaching tool for advanced students and a helpful guide to practicing professionals. The author successfully integrates existing knowledge and approaches from a vast array of sources....Moreover, the level of scholarship is excellent....Readers are provided with a comprehensive array of analytical alternatives and equally important, Lyman encourages readers to make their own--albeit better informed--decisions in relation to the problems." American Antiquity

"...all scientists who are interested in taphonomy or zooarchaeology can rejoice at the publication of Vertebrate Taphonomy by R. Lee Lyman....an enormous accomplishment for such a broadly based book....essential for anyone interested in taphonomy....This book is a gift to all zooarchaeologists...." Curtis W. Marean, Evolutionary Anthropology

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521458404
• ISBN 13: 9780521458405
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 552