Historical Archaeology by Ivor Noël Hume—often regarded as the founding text of its field—presents a comprehensive and highly readable introduction to the methods and significance of archaeology focused on the post-Columbian era. Written by the pioneering archaeologist of Colonial Williamsburg, Hume outlines the principles of excavation, artifact analysis, and the interpretation of early American sites.

First published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1969, this volume bridges academic scholarship and public history, offering accessible insight into the study of everyday life through material remains. Its detailed photographs and case studies make it an enduring reference for historians, anthropologists, and collectors of archaeology literature.

An important early work in the discipline—ideal for university libraries, collectors, and anyone interested in America’s archaeological past.