Revealing Archaeology is the most effective text I have used in more than ten years of teaching introductory archaeology classes.

Attractive, witty, and simple to use, Revealing Archaeology seamlessly blends perspectives and examples from the Old and New Worlds and from historic and prehistoric contexts. Using simulated survey, excavation and analysis sections, it effectively engages students in the technical aspects of fieldwork. I was especially impressed by how Revealing Archaeology moves the student from the discovery phase of research, through the mechanics of sampling, analysis, and quantification to the ethical and interpretive issues of contemporary archaeology.

Not having much experience using multimedia or internet-based learning technologies, I approached Revealing Archaeology with no small amount of anxiety. However, the Thinking Strings staff and technical support were always helpful in smoothing over the inevitable rough patches at the beginning and throughout the semester. There was not one single problem my students encountered that Thinking Strings was unable to solve promptly and effectively.

A remarkable thing has occurred in the last two semesters. The course average has gone from 65% to 75% and then to 85% this semester. It is not that my tests are getting any easier, nor likely that the students are getting smarter. The only variable that has changed is Revealing Archaeology. You have an outstanding product, quite possibly the best thing to hit archaeology education in colleges for decades. And, if anybody asks, you may tell them I said so.

John J. Shea
Professor of Anthropology
Stony Brook University