New Book Day: The Archaeology of Contemporary America

I try to refrain from blatant self promotion on blog, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t announce the publication of my new book: The Archaeology of Contemporary America.

(Look! No subtitle!)

More than that, if you’re interested in a discount, you can use this code “AU224” which is valid until the end of February. It’s a $45 discount!

More important than that, this feels like a good opportunity to remind myself (and my readers) that academic books are rarely solo endeavors. This book, in particular, took a village. From its prehistory when folks like David Pettegrew, Nick Kardulias, Lita Diacopolous-Gregory, and Tim Gregory supported my curiosity and my unorthodox field work in Greece to the folks who worked with me in the Bakken (especially Kostis Kourelis, Richard Rothaus, Bret Weber) and at the Atari Excavations in Alamogordo (especially Andrew Reinhard, Rothaus, and Weber) and the series editors (Krysta Ryzewski and Michael S. Nassaney) who likely saved me from the worst of my blunders and did their best to keep my unruly manuscript in check.

I’m particularly appreciative of all the folks who took time to read and offer feedback on various sections and chapters here on the blog. Over the last four years, I’ve circulated virtually the entire book here (including some sections that while they were researched and considered, got cut from the final version of the book). 

Along side my blog readers, my friends and family also listened patiently to my half-baked ideas, supported my effort to write, and offered critical feedback.

Of course, for a book to happen, a press had to accept it, had to get the manuscript edited, had to typeset it, had to get it printed, and had to work to maintain distribution, marketing, and publicity channels. This all reflects a tremendous commitment to the idea that academic publishing remains valuable.

Finally, there’s an old saying among academics, by the time the book comes out, we’re on to the next project. This is partly true for me (although PKAP2 which is NOT the next project in any conventional sense will continue to linger on my desk for another month or so), but I’m beyond eager to get started on my next project.