This book provides a basic introduction to key debates in the study of hunter-gatherers, specifically from an anthropological perspective, but designed for an archaeological audience. Hunter-gatherers have been the focus of intense anthropological research and discussion over the last hundred years, and as such there is an enormous literature on communities all over the world. Yet, among the diverse range of peoples studied, there are a number of recurrent themes, including not only the way in which people make a living (hunting, gathering and fishing) but also striking similarities in other areas of life such as belief systems and social organisation. These themes are described and then explored through archaeological case-studies. The overarching theme throughout the volume is the use of ethnographic analogy, and how archaeologists should be critical in its use.

The nature and format of the book would certainly lend itself to being an introductory text for early-stage researchers. Students new to hunter-gatherer archaeology will welcome this book as a simple access point to the vast body of anthropological literature on modern and recent hunter-gatherer communities. -- Thomas Kador * Archaeological Journal Vol. 171 *

Vicki Cummings is Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Central Lancashire, UK.