Forthcoming Landscape Archaeology Book

View of The Mission Mountain Range, from The Bison Range, Montana

"Doing Landscape Archaeology: A Guide to its Concepts and Methods" undertakes the herculean task of synthesizing the practice of landscape archaeology, unraveling the complex web of human activities and natural forces that have shaped our world. With a rich, nuanced narrative, it weaves together foundational theories and cutting-edge methods, making even the densest material accessible and engaging. From the broader contextual approaches to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, this guide offers a deeply insightful look into how landscapes are dynamic entities, constantly evolving under the influence of both natural and human forces. The book also explores the use of non-invasive techniques like aerial photography, LiDAR, vegetation survey, and remote sensing, which allow for the discovery and analysis of archaeological features without disturbing the ground.

"Doing Landscape Archaeology" stands out by looking beyond isolated sites to consider the wider spatial and temporal dynamics of human activity. It emphasizes the role of memory and community in shaping landscapes, understanding how certain places hold cultural or spiritual significance and how these meanings change over time. This book is a must-read for aspiring archaeologists, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the world around them, offering a holistic understanding of how ancient societies perceived and interacted with their surroundings.

The book is divided into three main parts, each comprising several chapters that build upon one another to provide a comprehensive understanding of landscape archaeology. Part 1, "Foundations," covers the essential theories and methods, providing readers with the necessary tools to understand the field. Part 2, "Facets," delves into cultural landscapes from an international perspective, organizing them into types and exploring different domains of landscapes. It's the equivalent of learning to view landscapes from multiple lenses, similar to how human anatomy is viewed in terms of multiple interconnected systems, like the respiratory and circulatory systems. Part 3, "Futures," looks ahead to the future of landscape archaeology, discussing emerging trends and technologies that will shape the field in the coming years.

One of the key strengths of "Doing Landscape Archaeology" is that it fills a significant gap in the existing literature of this subfield. While there are many books and articles that focus on specific theories or methods, there are few comprehensive guides that cover the entire field of landscape archaeology in a cohesive and accessible manner. There are excellent edited volumes of case studies; however, these do not provide the ready student the how-to they crave. This book addresses that gap by providing a thorough overview of the field, making it an invaluable resource for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

In addition to its academic rigor, the book is written in a conversational tone, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. The author uses humor and colorful metaphors to make strategic points memorable, ensuring that readers stay engaged throughout. Whether you're an aspiring archaeologist, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around you, this book will inspire you to see the past in a whole new light.

A book proposal is in the works to go to some publishers to find out more realistic publishing costs. Eventually, to bring this book to press, we are planning to launch a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like GoFundMe, Indiegogo, or a dedicated donation page. Your support will help cover the costs of publishing, marketing, and distribution, ensuring that this valuable resource reaches a wide audience as soon as October/November 2026. This book will also hopefully be printed with eco-friendly materials and ink. By contributing to the campaign, you'll not only be supporting the publication of this book but also helping to advance the field of landscape archaeology.

Stay tuned for updates to see excerpts from the book-to-be and updates on the crowdfunding campaign, and be sure to follow us on social media for the latest news and information. Together, we can bring "Doing Landscape Archaeology" to life and make a lasting impact on the field of archaeology.