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Beyond the Dead Horizon: Studies in Modern Conflict Archaeology
Author(s): Nicholas J. Saunders
- Publisher: Oxbow Books
- Publication Date: 10 Sept. 2012
- Language: English
- Print length: 240 pages
- ISBN-10: 1842174711
- ISBN-13: 9781842174715
Book Description
The new interdisciplinary study of modern conflict archaeology has developed rapidly over the last decade. Its anthropological approach to modern conflicts, their material culture and their legacies has freed such investigations from the straitjacket of traditional ‘battlefield archaeology’. It offers powerful new methodologies and theoretical insights into the nature and experience of industrialised war, whether between nation states or as civil conflict, by individuals as well as groups and by women and children, as well as men of fighting age. The complexities of studying wars within living memory demand a new response – a sensitised, cross-disciplinary approach which draws on many other kinds of academic study but which does not privilege any particular discipline. It is the most democratic kind of archaeology – one which takes a bottom-up approach – in order to understand the web of emotional, military, political, economic and cultural experiences and legacies of conflict. These 18 papers offer a coherent demonstration of what modern conflict archaeology is and what it is capable of and offers an intellectual home for those not interested in traditional ‘war studies’ or military history, but who respond to the idea of a multidisciplinary approach to all modern conflict.
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘The book would be a useful aid to those thinking of studying modern conflict archaeology or to anybody interested in the subject who intends to study the subject at a detailed level.’ — The History Herald The History Herald This book will be of interest to those wishing to know more about the new discipline of conflict archaeology, and to students of 20th century warfare wishing to read about some of the more unusual aspects of the century’s conflicts. — Casemate – Fortress Study Group Magazine Casemate – Fortress Study Group Magazine
