A Life in Balkan Archaeology

This memoir tells the story of a boy growing up in Plymouth,Devon, becoming interested in archaeology after visits to mainland Greece and Crete, and then moving to the Balkans to pursue a career in prehistoric research. It alternates between museum/university experiences and major research projects, and includes a history-style chapter on the beginnings of the Third Balkan War. The book also presents stories with implications for east-west relationships, and records fragments of the disciplines history that are in danger of being lost forever.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2021
Publisher: Oxbow Books

This memoir tells the captivating story of a young boy's journey of fascination with archaeology, sparked by his visits to mainland Greece and Crete. Fueled by his newfound passion, he set his sights on pursuing a career in Greek archaeology and eventually relocated northward into the Balkans. There, he dedicated himself to conducting groundbreaking research in prehistoric times.

The chapters of the memoir alternate between vivid descriptions of museum and university experiences and detailed accounts of the major research projects that shaped his career. The experiences of working in the Balkans during the onset of the Third Balkan War are particularly dramatic, and a dedicated chapter is devoted to these early days.

The Balkan prehistoric club in the West is a small and exclusive group, making it of intrinsic interest to explore how Westerners conducted their archaeology in the region and how they interacted with local colleagues. There is also a sense of a "colonial relationship" between Westerners with their knowledge of theory and method, well-stocked libraries, and substantial research grants, and Easterners with limited resources. On a fundamental level, the memoir presents captivating stories with profound implications for East-West relationships that are rapidly fading from living memory. The book delves into the origins and development of research projects, showcasing the rich tapestry of anecdotes about prehistorians, both past and present.

By publishing this memoir, we aim to preserve fragments of the disciplines' history that are at risk of being lost forever. However, this account is more than just a dry historical record; it is a participant account, infused with a modest amount of relevant personal details. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who have dedicated their lives to the study of archaeology.

The book that accompanies this memoir, titled "Forging identities in the prehistory of Old Europe. Individuals, individuals and communities 7000-3000 BC - a synthesis of academic research in the Balkans," represents a comprehensive synthesis of academic research conducted in the region. It sheds light on the complex identities and social structures of the ancient societies that thrived in the Balkans during this pivotal period.

In conclusion, this memoir offers a captivating glimpse into the life and career of a passionate archaeologist, who pursued his dreams against all odds and left an indelible mark on the field. Through his experiences and insights, the book provides valuable contributions to our understanding of the past and sheds light on the ongoing challenges and rewards of archaeological research.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 240 x 170 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789257298