David Clarke’s Analytical Archaeology at 50

David Clarke’s Analytical Archaeology (1968) has been seen as a pivotal work that emerged when new ideas and approaches were transforming archaeology as a discipline. However, the authors contend that some of its key ideas have only been picked up on and given closer consideration in more recent years. At the 50th anniversary of its publication, the authors outline the central ideas discussed in Analytical Archaeology and evaluate its role in ongoing discussions. They conclude that in the light of recent work, which can demonstrably be seen as revisiting some of its central themes, there is much to be gained in contemporary archaeological discussion by revisiting Clarke’s book.