I hope I will be forgiven for mentioning my own book here, "Digging Up
Texas, A Guide to the Archaeology of the State." It was originally
published by Republic of Texas Press. RoT was purchased by Rowman and
Littlefield and my book is now published under the Taylor Trade Books
imprint.
The book has been reviewed for the Texas History recommendations of the
Houston Area Library System's small library list:
"Probably the most comprehensive look at archaeology in Texas that is
targeted to non-professionals and still in print, this book is properly
described as a "first step" into the sometimes inscrutable world of
archaeology, with its arcane jargon. Well illustrated and up to date, with
information about many recent and highly important discoveries. "
http://www.hals.lib.tx.us/docs/lonestar.doc
In addition, it has been included on several reading lists offered by the
Texas Archeological Society, and avocational archaeology group.
Although sales have tapered off in the last year, it still enjoys sales in
the thousands of copies.
I wrote the book in order to explain the archaeology that I love to lay
people. I wanted to create an eclectic, even (dare I use the word...)
holistic view of the discipline which at once situates the various
investigations historically and also describes the breathtaking range of
inquiry into the past cultures of Texas.
I think there is an underserved market for books written solely for the lay
audience. The endeavor needs a writing style and vocabulary radically
different from that which is required in academic or technical writing. It
also requires something which is controversial in professional writing:
dramatization. There is an art (which I may not have mastered but am
acutely aware of) to creating drama without compromising accurate
representation.
I think my effort has made a small but measurable contribution toward making
archaeology popular.
Robert Marcom
http://www.crm-gis.com
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying
a cross."
--Sinclair
Lewis
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mitch Allen" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 10:58 AM
Subject: Re: How to make archaeology popular
> Don't forget David Bowie. He read our book The Goddess and the Bull,
> Michael Balter's book about Catalhoyuk, on the recommendation of his
> sister, and gave us a blurb for the marketing:
>
> " I liked it very much. A little heavy on theory for my taste but
> exciting to read of what could have been the first town. I also approve
> of burying the dead under the floor. At least you'll remember where you
> put them."
>
> --- "K. Kris Hirst" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>> Well, we may not have a rock god on our side, but we do have Tony
>> Robinson
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Geoff writes:
>>
>> Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 09:03:23 +0200
>> From: geoff <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: how to make archaeology popular?
>>
>> OK, this is how the astronomers are doing it:
>>
>> http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,1929768,00.html
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>>
>> K. Kris Hirst
>> About Archaeology
>> http://archaeology.about.com
>> www.About.com
>>
>> About.com is part of The New York Times Company
>> ***************************************************************
>>
>
>
> Mitch Allen
> Publisher
> Left Coast Press, Inc.
> 1630 N. Main Street, #400
> Walnut Creek, California 94596
> 925 935-3380 phone and fax
> [log in to unmask]
> www.LCoastPress.com
>
>
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