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Condition: Good to fair. Paperback. Page Condition: Good - possible tanning. Markings: possible previous owner inscription.

A landmark work in the history of archaeological thought, The Idea of Prehistory chronicles how humanity has come to understand its own distant past, tracing the development of prehistoric studies from antiquarian curiosity to rigorous scientific discipline. Glyn Daniel, one of the twentieth century's most respected archaeologists and prehistorians, presents a compelling intellectual history that argues the concept of prehistory itself is a surprisingly modern invention. With authority and clarity, he details the key figures, discoveries, and theoretical shifts that transformed our understanding of human origins, from the recognition of stone tools as ancient artefacts to the revolutionary impact of radiocarbon dating. Written with the engaging tone of a seasoned academic who genuinely loves his subject, this work illustrates how each era has reinterpreted the prehistoric past through the lens of its own cultural assumptions and scientific capabilities. A must-read for anyone interested in the foundations of modern archaeology and the long intellectual journey behind our knowledge of ancient human life.