Archaeology and the Modern World advances a new controversial theory of historical archaeology. Using new case studies, Martin Hall evaluates the major theoretical traditions in historical archaeology while contributing significantly to the debate. In this study the author places an emphasis on material culture and the recent past to bring to light a picture of an unstable and violent early colonial world in which material culture played a crucial mediating role.

Martin Hall is Professor of Historical Archaeology in the Centre for African Studies and Dean of Higher Education Development at the University of Cape Town as well President of the World Archaeological Congress.

Starting with the voyages of discovery and continuing to the present, the author evaluates the major theoretical traditions in historical archaeology while contributing significantly to the debate.

Chapter 1 Material conditions; Chapter 2 Colonial discourse; Chapter 3 Regimes of order; Chapter 4 Substantial identities; Chapter 5 Hidden voices; Chapter 6 Bodily uncertainties; Chapter 7 Emergencies of the moment; Chapter 8 Heart of whiteness;