Lives in Ruins

Hillary Huber engagingly narrates this fascinating glimpse into the life of the modern-day archaeologist. Far from the romantic occupation often imagined, archaeology involves unexpected pursuits and little income. With warmth and humor, Huber introduces an intriguing collection of specialists and provides just a hint of characterization, allowing the listener to envision each archaeologist's unique obsession. Huber truly shines in narrating the voice of author Marilyn Johnson as she journeys to world-renowned archaeological sites (the stunning vista of Machu Picchu) and less glamorous field-training locales (which involve stinky buried pigs). Huber's classy narration gives credence to Johnson's assertion that archaeology is vastly more valuable than digging up bones and pottery. It's a science that allows us to better understand our own humanity. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

February 15, 2015

Johnson (This Book Is Overdue!) follows archaeologists into the field to discover why they work in a discipline that promises little monetary reward, no job stability, and dangerous working conditions. She interviews archaeologists who specialize in a wide variety of time periods, geographical locations, and areas of their field. She attends conferences, visits sites, and endures the hardships of excavation (including killer bee attacks, sites where no water is available, and contentious natives). She considers what archaeology is and why it is important, while discovering what drives the people who do the work. The narrative is as much about the author's experiences in the field as it is about the scientists she followed. Well read by Hillary Huber, this book will appeal to amateur archaeologists and generalists who want to know what the professionals do. VERDICT Recommended to anyone with an interest in archaeology. ["Well suited to anyone contemplating archaeology as a career, those curious about what the profession is like, lovers of history and science, and readers who enjoy and are grateful for the lure of prehistory and discovery as a mental process," read the starred review of the Harper hc, LJ 11/1/14.]--Joanna M. Burkhardt, Univ. of Rhode Island Lib., Providence

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