Lithics: Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis (2nd Edition)

By William Andrefsky, Jr.

Lithics: Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis, Second Edition is a foundational methodological guide for the study of stone tools and lithic assemblages. Published by Cambridge University Press as part of the Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology series, this book presents systematic approaches for analyzing lithic materials using observable, macroscopic attributes.

Widely adopted in archaeology and anthropology programs, the book integrates theory, method, and practical application to help researchers interpret stone tool production, use, and organization within past human societies.

What This Book Does

This book provides archaeologists with standardized analytical frameworks for describing, classifying, and interpreting lithic artifacts based on macroscopic characteristics and assemblage-level patterns.

Key Features of the 2nd Edition

• Comprehensive overview of macroscopic lithic analysis techniques
• Updated discussions on technology, function, and organization
• Clear definitions and measurement standards for lithic attributes
• Integration of behavioral and evolutionary perspectives
• Examples drawn from archaeological case studies worldwide
• Essential reference for both teaching and research

Who Should Use This Book?

• Archaeologists and lithic analysts
• Graduate and advanced undergraduate students
• Anthropologists studying material culture
• Researchers working with stone tool assemblages
• Field and laboratory archaeology professionals

Why It’s Essential

• Standard reference for macroscopic lithic analysis
• Balances theoretical context with practical methodology
• Widely cited in archaeological literature
• Supports consistent, replicable analytical practice

The definitive guide to macroscopic lithic analysis in archaeology.
Order today from BooksGoat and strengthen your analytical toolkit.

Product Details

• ISBN-13: 9780521615006
• Edition: 2nd
• Author: William Andrefsky, Jr.
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Series: Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology
• Format: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Availability: In Stock
• Shipping: Free Shipping

Table of Contents (Highlights)

• Introduction to Lithic Analysis
• Lithic Technology and Reduction Systems
• Tool Types and Functional Analysis
• Assemblage Organization and Variation
• Raw Material Procurement and Use
• Behavioral Interpretations of Lithic Data
• Methodological Standards and Applications

FAQs

• Is this book suitable for beginners? Yes, it is widely used in upper-level undergraduate and graduate archaeology courses.
• Does it focus on macroscopic rather than microscopic analysis? Yes, the emphasis is on observable, macroscopic attributes of lithic artifacts.
• Is this a standard lithic analysis reference? Yes, it is considered a core text in lithic and archaeological methodology.