Excavating Nauvoo - (Critical Studies in the History of Anthropology) by Benjamin C Pykles (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This detailed study of the excavation and restoration of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, reveals the roots of historical archaeology. In the 1960s, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsored an archaeology program to authentically restore the city of Nauvoo, which was founded along the Mississippi River in the 1840s by the Mormons as they moved west. Non-Mormon scholars were also interested in Nauvoo because it was representative of several western frontier towns in this era. As the archaeology and restoration of Nauvoo progressed, however, conflicts arose, particularly regarding control of the site and its interpretation for the public. The field of historical archaeology was just coming into its own during this period, with myriad perspectives and doctrines being developed and tested. The Nauvoo site was one of the places where the discipline was forged. This well-researched account weaves together multiple viewpoints in examining the many contentious issues surrounding the archaeology and restoration of the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, providing an illuminating picture of the early days of professional historical archaeology.

Review Quotes

"Historians and historical archaeologists alike will find Pykle's trailblazing work worthwhile."--Glen M. Leonard, Journal of Mormon History

"Pykles provides an even-handed and fascinating glimpse into the use of historic preservation and archaeology as both a restoration and a proselytizing tool."--Chris Merritt, Montana, The Magazine of Western History

"Readers interested in the development of historical archaeology in the United States, in Mormon history, or in religious groups' struggles to control public perceptions of their past will find this book rewarding."--Stephen C. Taysom, Indiana Magazine of History

"Researchers interested in archaeological activities at Nauvoo and their contribution to the development of historical archaeology will find that Pykles has an excellent command of the documentary record supporting his analysis."--Carl A. Merry, Plains Anthropologist

"This thoughtful and carefully researched book, bolstered by many archival sources and oral histories, is an important reflection on the relatively young discipline of historical archaeology. Through the narrative of Nauvoo, Pykles teaches us much about the materials and materiality of the recent past and how identities take shape through stories we tell about that past, our ancestors, and our profession."--Shannon A. Novak, Journal of Anthropological Research

"Excavating Nauvoo is an excellent read for those interested in the study of archaeology as whole, and those interested in the field of historic archaeology."--Matt Donovan, Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society

About the Author

Benjamin C. Pykles is a assistant professor of anthropology at the State University of New York at Potsdam. Robert L. Schuyler is an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania and associate curator-in-charge of historical archaeology at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. He is a past president of the Society for Historical Archaeology and the 2009 recipient of the J. C. Harrington Medal in Historical Archaeology.