Reading List

Archaeology

1.) In Small Things Forgotten

By: James Deetz

In this truly romantic account of historic archaeology, James Deetz explores how everyday objects, from pottery to gravestones, reveal the intricacies of early American life. Through detailed analysis of material culture, Deetz uncovers the social and cultural shifts that shaped colonial and early post-colonial societies. This accessible book emphasizes how small, often overlooked artifacts can provide profound insights into the lives of ordinary people, bridging the gap between historical archaeology and the broader understanding of history. It's an essential read for anyone interested in the subtle ways material culture reflects human behavior and societal change.

Link: https://amzn.to/3V0MVcj 

2.) The Lenape-Delaware Indian Heritage, 10,000 BC to AD 2000

By: Herbert C. Kraft

Herbert C. Kraft's magnum opus is a comprehensive account of the Lenape (or Delaware) people, tracing their heritage from prehistoric times through to the modern era. Drawing on archaeology, historical records, and cultural studies, Kraft meticulously documents the Lenape’s lifeways, traditions, and resilience in the face of colonization and displacement. The book delves into their tools, social structures, spiritual practices, and interactions with European settlers, offering readers an in-depth look at the rich history and ongoing legacy of the Lenape. This work serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the enduring cultural heritage of one of North America's oldest Indigenous groups.

Link: https://amzn.to/3AsctI2 

3.) Ancient North America: The Archaeology of a Continent

By: Brian Fagan

This is an authoritative survey of North America's archaeological past, spanning from the first human arrivals to the European contact period. Fagan explores the diverse societies, from early hunter-gatherers to complex civilizations like the Mississippians and Ancestral Puebloans, uncovering their social structures, technological innovations, and environmental adaptations. Rich with maps, illustrations, and insights from recent discoveries, this book offers a comprehensive narrative of North America's ancient history and its cultural landscapes. It's an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the continent's complex pre-Columbian heritage.

Link: https://amzn.to/48DmEpG 

4.) Archaeology: Basic Field Methods

By: R. Michael Stewart

If you need a practical guide to the foundational techniques and methodologies used in archaeological fieldwork, then this is your book. Stewart covers essential topics such as site surveying, excavation strategies, recording findings, and analyzing artifacts, providing a step-by-step approach for both students and early-career professionals. With clear explanations and practical examples, the book demystifies the day-to-day processes of archaeology, emphasizing the importance of precision and ethical considerations in the field. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to understand or engage in hands-on archaeological work.

Link: https://amzn.to/3AnTn5X 

5.) Digging New Jersey's Past: Historical Archaeology in the Garden State

By: Richard F. Veit

Written by a graduate professor of mine, this is an engaging exploration of New Jersey’s rich archaeological heritage, spanning colonial settlements, industrial sites, and military encampments. Veit examines how archaeology reveals the lives of the state’s early inhabitants, from Indigenous peoples to European settlers, and how these discoveries provide unique insights into New Jersey's cultural and historical development. Filled with case studies, site descriptions, and historical context, this book brings to life the Garden State’s layered past. It's an essential resource for anyone interested in regional archaeology and the role of material culture in understanding local history.

Link: https://amzn.to/4ef9e4K 

Human Evolution

1.) The Story of the Human Body: Evolution, Health, and Disease

By: Daniel Leiberman

This book offers a compelling examination of human evolution and its impact on health and disease in modern society. Lieberman traces the evolutionary journey of our species, exploring how our bodies have adapted to changing environments and lifestyles. He delves into the consequences of these adaptations, highlighting how our ancient biological heritage shapes contemporary health challenges, such as obesity and chronic diseases. Through a blend of evolutionary biology, anthropology, and medicine, this book provides insightful connections between our past and present, making it a crucial read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human health through an evolutionary lens.

Link: https://amzn.to/3CdYara 

2.) The Matter with Things: Our Brains, Our Delusions, and the Unmaking of the World

By: Iain McGilchrist

While not explicitly about human evolution, this is possibly the most thought-provoking book I've ever read. It explores the fundamental differences between the left and right hemispheres of the brain and how these differences shape our perception of reality (something that's rooted in evolution). McGilchrist argues that the overemphasis on left-brain rationality and analysis has led to a disconnection from the world around us, resulting in societal and environmental issues. Through an interdisciplinary approach that includes philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience, he delves into how our cognitive frameworks influence our understanding of existence, the universe, and our place within it. This ambitious book invites readers to reconsider the nature of reality and the ways in which our minds construct it, making it essential for anyone interested in the intersections of brain science, philosophy, and human experience.

Link: https://amzn.to/3AvAyh7 

3.) Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human

By: Richard Wrangham

Here, Wrangham presents a fascinating argument that the advent of cooking played a pivotal role in the evolution of Homo sapiens. He explores how cooking not only made food more digestible and nutritious but also contributed to significant physiological changes, such as the reduction of tooth and jaw size and the expansion of the brain. He draws on evidence from anthropology, archaeology, and primatology to illustrate the transformative effects of cooking on social structures, reproductive strategies, and overall human development. This thought-provoking book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of culture, biology, and evolution, making it essential reading for anyone interested in the evolutionary history of our species.

 Link: https://amzn.to/4hwTTPI

4.) A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century: Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life

By: Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein

These coauthors provide a compelling examination of how human evolutionary history can inform our understanding of contemporary challenges. Drawing on insights from anthropology, biology, and psychology, the authors argue that many of the problems faced in modern society—such as mental health issues, chronic disease, and social disconnection—stem from a mismatch between our ancestral traits and modern environments. They advocate for a return to principles that align more closely with our hunter-gatherer past, emphasizing the importance of community, physical activity, and a diverse diet. This thought-provoking book blends evolutionary theory with practical advice, making it a crucial read for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of life in the 21st century while honoring our evolutionary heritage.

Link: https://amzn.to/3AvdO0P  

5.) The Case Against Reality: How Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes

By: Donald Hoffman

In this book, Hoffman challenges traditional perceptions of reality by arguing that our experiences and perceptions are not a direct reflection of the world around us. Drawing on insights from cognitive science, evolutionary biology, and philosophy, Hoffman posits that our senses have evolved not to reveal an objective truth but to enhance our survival and reproductive success. He introduces the idea of an "interface" through which we interact with the world, akin to a computer desktop, which simplifies complex information rather than conveying its true nature. This provocative book invites readers to reconsider the relationship between perception and reality, encouraging a deeper exploration of consciousness and the limitations of human understanding. It's an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of evolution, psychology, and the philosophy of mind.

 Link: https://amzn.to/4egC30k