History of Archaeology: An Introduction provides global coverage with chapters devoted to particular regions of the world. It focuses on the earliest beginnings of archaeology in different parts of the world, and how it developed from being a pastime for antiquarians and collectors to a serious attempt to obtain information about past societies. Woven into the text are various boxes that explore key archaeologists, sites and important discoveries in the history of archaeology. With such far ranging coverage, including an exploration of the little covered development of Russian and Chinese archaeology, this is the perfect introduction to the history of archaeology for the interested reader and student alike.