Although several types are mentioned that aren't found in many publications, one common point are missing (at least), Rockwall,

I purchased this book after I've recently been exposed to our local Texas Indian artifacts. This book was extremely helpful in identifying and categorizing items that I have stumbled across. It is a must to have in your backpack!

The book had enough facts, figures and information to be a valid source of knowledge for the topic, however it was at times hard to follow. The statistics were thrown out at the reader without any preparation or easing into the introduced subject. It went from one topic to another without a smooth transition. Their transitions were choppy, leaving the reader feeling unsettled and at times, confused.

As a person interested in learning more about archaeology field methods, I found this book had good explanations of some very puzzling processes. It also makes a great textbook and was used to prepare students for a field school by professors at UT Dallas. Good book - but you may have to read it over a couple of times in order to fully grasp all the knowledge presented.

The three recent comments on FIELD METHODS, 7th ed. need some clarification. Yes, the book is long, very long. I didn't know we had any statistics in it (reviewer #1)! It is not comparable to Joukowsky, as her book, like our 6th ed., Hester, et al. l975, is now badly out of date. The 7th ed., l997, is designed as (l) a text, especially for field schools (2) a reference on contemporary approaches to field archaeology. It is not a trade book, especially since Mayfield does not discount to bookstores. The long-winded aspect comes from an effort to review contemporary archaeology, which is changing rapidly and covers a broad area of inquiry. The academic review cards received by Mayfield after publication were overwhelmingly positive. Thus, the book appeals largely to professionals and active avocational archaeologists. It is not a "light read" on the glorious discoveries of archaeology.