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
>
>