Lives in Ruins

Starred review from September 15, 2014
In this lively love letter to archaeologists, former Esquire editor Johnson (This Book is Overdue!) travels the world, getting her hands dirty as she studies archaeologists in their natural habitats. She joins field schools, attends conferences, and chats with the legendary and the up-and-coming practitioners of the discipline and displays infectious enthusiasm for the material. Johnson samples drinks prepared from recipes discovered in ancient tablets, braves bad weather and worse food, visits body farms, and hobnobs with the military all in an effort to examine and explore every aspect of archaeologist’s life. Her experiences are eye-opening, engaging, and occasionally frustrating, and she talks about the downsides of the occupation: “Those who persevere in the profession fight like cats to get these jobs and work like dogs to keep them. And for all their expertise, competence, breadth of experience, and even cockiness, they are continually humbled by their subject. For people who know so much, there is so much they can never know.” But, as Johnson states, it’s all about “trying to locate a spark of the human life that had once touched that spot there.” Many archaeologists credit Indiana Jones with sparking their passion, and Johnson may well inspire a new generation to take up this calling. Agent: Chris Calhoun, Chris Calhoun Agency.

November 1, 2014

Johnson's (This Book Is Overdue) wonderful and engaging work peels back the superficial glamour surrounding archaeology and archaeologists, offering an account that is a step above the typical book on the subject. The author sets out to explore what archaeology is really like and puts herself in the mainstream of her subject. Through personal experiences, interviews, and research, she exposes the suffering that archaeologists must endure to pursue their "craft" and honestly portrays the relentless, glamourless pursuit of the human condition through material culture. While Johnson provides great insight into why someone would choose to become an archaeologist, she also notes that success rarely occurs from monumental or notable discoveries. Rather, victory for an archaeologist is often found in the small, the hidden, and often unimpressive bits of flotsam and jetsam of prehistory. Johnson's contribution to this genre is unmatched. VERDICT Without glitz, the author has created a very enjoyable work that will be appreciated by experts in the field and casual readers alike. 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.--John Dockall, Austin, TX

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