Abstract
This article presents a detailed examination of Gordon Childe’s The Dawn of European Civilization, one of the best known books in European Archaeology. An overview of the book, its scope and influence is provided, as well as an analysis of its complex theoretical structures and philosophical context. Detailed sequential analysis of all six editions reveals how the original was repeatedly reinvented by Childe over a thirty year period in response to advances in European archaeology, his own theoretical interests and external political factors. The importance of the book for the history of 20th century archaeology and its role as an ‘ancestral text’ are assessed.
Highlights
Katie MeheuxThis article presents a detailed examination of Gordon Childe’s The Dawn of European Civilization, one of the best known books in European Archaeology
In 2017, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the UCL Institute of Archaeology, UCL Library Services and the Institute have digitized one of the most influential books on European Archaeology: The Dawn of European Civilization, written by Vere Gordon Childe (1892–1957), former Director of the Institute (1946–1956) and one of the most celebrated archaeologists of the 20th century
The project is intended to open up The Dawn to new audiences, create new discussions and facilitate research
Summary
This article presents a detailed examination of Gordon Childe’s The Dawn of European Civilization, one of the best known books in European Archaeology. An overview of the book, its scope and influence is provided, as well as an analysis of its complex theoretical structures and philosophical context. Detailed sequential analysis of all six editions reveals how the original was repeatedly reinvented by Childe over a thirty year period in response to advances in European archaeology, his own theoretical interests and external political factors. The importance of the book for the history of 20th century archaeology and its role as an ‘ancestral text’ are assessed
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