Assembling Past Worlds: Materials, Bodies and Architecture in Neolithic Britain

Assembling Past Worlds explores the potential for a posthumanist archaeology by examining Neolithic Britain through the lens of new materialism and Gilles Deleuze's philosophy. It identifies seven major challenges that archaeology faces and proposes an innovative theoretical approach to address them. The book is the first to apply Deleuze's philosophy to the extended analysis of a single period and provides an insightful diagnosis of the issues posed by current archaeological thought. It will be of interest to students and researchers in archaeological theory and the Neolithic of Europe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Assembling Past Worlds: A Posthumanist Approach to Archaeological Theory

Drawing on the concepts of new materialism and the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze, this book delves into the realm of posthumanist archaeology. Through a rigorous empirical study, it offers a comprehensive analysis of Neolithic Britain, a pivotal period in the emergence of new ways of living and the establishment of novel connections between materials, people, and architectural forms.

The book accomplishes two key objectives. Firstly, it identifies the significant challenges that archaeology faces in the context of ongoing theoretical shifts. These shifts introduce new ideas that demand a reevaluation of our writing and thinking about the past, sometimes presenting contradictory perspectives. This volume identifies seven major challenges that have emerged and delves into their significance, the importance of archaeology's engagement with them, and the potential approaches for addressing them through an innovative theoretical framework.

Secondly, the book explores how this theoretical approach meets these challenges through a detailed examination of Neolithic Britain. It provides a insightful diagnosis of the issues posed by current archaeological thought and stands as the first volume to apply the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze to the extended analysis of a single historical period.

By examining the past through a posthumanist lens, Assembling Past Worlds offers a transformative perspective on our understanding of historical worlds. It demonstrates how new approaches are shaping our comprehension of the past, enabling us to confront the challenges facing archaeology in the present and future. This book appeals to both students and researchers in the fields of archaeological theory and the Neolithic of Europe, providing valuable insights and perspectives.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 235 x 155 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367414917