I would also say the Deetz's "Invitation to Archaeology" is good for basic terms, especially for dating. You can get them on amazon for about a dollar. much of it is still relevant, although it is a bit dated. Ferguson's "Uncommon Ground" is a fast read and worth while. I would say depending on the area of the country you are working in a good guide to the local material culture would be good. Tidewater would send you to Noel Hume's Guide to Colonial Artifacts. Eric Deetz introduced me to the Museum of London's archaeological field manual which is a great overview of field notes/methods, and may vary from the sites you work on but is a good reference in general. 


Visit some of the country's public archaeology project's websites like Historic Jamestowne, Monticello, jefpat, etc. Many of these run field schools which I would recommend you take early before you decide on a focus.

Tonia Deetz Rock
James River Institute for Archaeology, Inc.



-----Original Message-----
From: geoff carver <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thu, 21 May 2009 8:04 am
Subject: Re: books for beginners



For a basic intro to archaeology, I don't think Renfrew & Bahn's
"Archaeology" can be beat: seems to have just about everything covered;
James Deetz's "In Small Things Forgotten" is a good example of how good
historical archaeology can be

-----Original Message-----

Hi my name is Robyn and I an Anthropology major. I am going to take an
Historical Archaeology class next semester and I was wondering if there is
any you would recommended for someone who would like to learn more before
class begins. I really appreciate it. Thanks Robyn