In recent years there has been an upsurge of interest in the history of the discipline of archaeology. Local, national, and international histories of archaeology that deal with institutions, concepts, categories, and the social and political contexts of archaeological practice have begun to influence the development of archaeological theory. This volume contributes to these developments by reprinting 19 significant papers. Spanning much of the last 200 years and global in coverage and outlook, the papers provide a thorough grounding in the historiography of archaeology, and will enhance understanding of the origins and growth of its theory and practice. A general introduction which is itself a contribution to historiography orients readers by outlining core themes and issues in the field.