The Archaeology of American Capitalism - (American Experience in Archaeological Pespective) by Christopher N Matthews (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Christopher Matthews offers a fresh look at the historic material culture and social meaning of capitalism in this wide-ranging and compelling study. Drawing on archaeological evidence from the colonial period to the modern era and covering sites from New England to California, The Archaeology of American Capitalism is the first comparative treatment in historical archaeology to comprehensively illustrate the development and evolution of capitalism in the United States.

Accessible to even the beginning student and organized chronologically, this volume focuses on the material construction of individuals as commodities, the orientation of social life to the market, and grassroots resistance to capitalist culture. Perhaps most intriguing, Matthews identifies the discipline of archaeology as an artifact of capitalism and offers a thoughtful investigation into the ways in which the transformative effects of capitalism determine not only much of the archaeological record, but the pursuit of archaeology itself.

Review Quotes

"A scholarly and fascinating study, enhanced with useful indexes, bibliography, and much more, making a core addition to any historical or economic history collections in community and college libraries."--Midwest Book Review

"Does a very good job making sense of an exceptionally complex scholarship on capitalism that is routinely invoked in historical archaeology. . . . This book is a sound primer for undergraduate and graduate students alike."--Paul R. Mullins, author of Race and Affluence

"Examines the material culture of capitalism in America and illustrates its development from the colonial to the modern eras. It is the first comparative treatment in archaeology to do so."--American Archaeology

"Explores such topics as European-Indian relations, early colonial culture change, urbanization, and mass consumption."--Chronicle Review

"Matthews has offered a bold new interpretation of the archaeology of capitalism. This book will take historical archaeology in exciting new directions of inquiry."--Charles E. Orser Jr., author of The Archaeology of Race and Racialization in Historic America

About the Author

Christopher N. Matthews is associate professor of anthropology at Hofstra University.