Telling Stories of the Past
An Archaeologist's Memoir
By (author) Brian Fagan
Paperback (Published)
(April 2026)
ISBN: 9781800508064
6.18 x 9.21 inches
Price: $29.95
In stock
Hardback (Published)
(April 2026)
ISBN: 9781800508057
6.18 x 9.21 inches
Price: $50.00
In stock
Written in Fagan’s clear, popular style, this volume will provide direction for younger archaeologists who wish to engage with the general public and will be an illuminating guide to archaeology for non-specialist readers.
Brian Fagan is arguably the best-known archaeologist of the past half century. His nine textbooks have introducted hundreds of thousands of students to archaeology. His circa 50 popular books on everything from Stonehenge to human origins to carbon dating, brought archaeology to a huge swath of the public and sometimes landed on the New York Times bestseller list. He wrote columns for archaeology magazines and for general ones. He was an engaging and entertaining speaker, regularly talking about the past, on radio, TV, and to live audiences. Telling Stories of the Past is Fagan’s memoir of his life and work, completed only days before his death in July 2025. In this book he charts his early career as a field archaeologist in Africa, his work as a museum officer, his entry into academic life, his writing and teaching at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his long career as a consultant working with the National Geographic Society, the BBC and other media organizations. He won numerous awards for his public writing, teaching and media work. His book draws close attention to his work as a writer and a teacher, describing his process for developing trade books and textbooks and his approach to attracting students to archaeology through innovative teaching methods. The guidance he provides here is of great value to both scholars and writers. Fagan also discusses his concern with climate change, resulting in a series of four recent books on the subject. A lifelong sailor, Brian shows how the discipline required for sailing impacted his ability to think and write as an archaeologist. His interaction with many of the legendary figures in archaeology are recounted as well. Written in Fagan’s clear, popular style, this volume will provide direction for younger archaeologists who wish to engage with the general public and will be an illuminating guide to archaeology for non specialist readers.
Table of Contents
List of Figures vii
Foreword, Nadia Durrani and Mitchell Allen viii
Introduction 1
1 “He’s Dead, You Know…” 3
2 “Have Got Rattus Rattus…” The Telegram Declared.
“How Badly?” I Replied 13
3 “Really, Brian, What an Extraordinary Question to Ask!” 23
4 “Teach Anything You Like” 34
5 Teaching and Textbooks, and The Rape of the Nile 45
6 Beyond Textbooks: A Plethora of Trade Titles 56
7 Adventurous Archaeology 67
8 Fishers’ Tales 76
9 Climatic Quartet 84
10 A Sailing We Will Go… 93
11 Adventures in Deep (and Shallow) Water 102
12 Been There, Done That 111
Acknowledgments 117
References 118
Brian Fagan (1936-2025) was Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara and author of numerous popular history books including The Rape of the Nile, Climate Chaos, and A Little History of Archaeology
- By (author) Brian Fagan
"Archaeology has never had as prolific and articulate an advocate as Brian Fagan. This memoir introduces how a well-lived professional life written with candor and in the context of life's less predictable twists and turns can and has impacted an entire field of thoughtful enquiry." Vernon L. Scarborough, Emeritus Distinguished University Research Professor and Charles Phelps Taft Professor, University of Cincinnati "With the recent passing of Brian Fagan, archaeology has lost a master storyteller and most public champion of the field. This is the engaging story of a long life well lived, not without tragedies but with no regrets and few unfulfilled ambitions. Told in a charming narrative that blends an authoritative voice with dry humor and modesty, it is a masterclass in what mattered to Brian Fagan the most: the art of powerful and accurate storytelling. Translating archaeological data and reports into effective storylines, Brian Fagan shaped narratives that pursued grand storytelling without blurring important detail. To educate and engage, attention must not only be paid to what is said, but how it is told. Brian Fagan shows with latitude that archaeology holds great insight into the human condition and is an art of storytelling that has relevance in people's lives. Archaeology for everybody. As a premier public educator, Brian Fagan is to the field of archaeology what David Attenborough is to nature conservation. This is his story." Christian Isendahl, Professor in the Department of Historical Studies, University of Gothenburg
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