Archaeology from Space
How the Future Shapes Our Past
ISBN10: 1250231345
ISBN13: 9781250231345
Trade Paperback
304 Pages
$18.99
CA$25.99
A Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book
A Science News Best Book
A Nature's Top Ten Books of the Year
Winner of the Phi Beta Kappa Book Award for Science
National Geographic Explorer and TED Prize-winner Dr. Sarah Parcak gives readers a personal tour of the evolution, major discoveries, and future potential of the young field of satellite archaeology. From surprise advancements after the declassification of spy photography, to a new map of the mythical Egyptian city of Tanis, she shares her field’s biggest discoveries, revealing why space archaeology is not only exciting, but urgently essential to the preservation of the world’s ancient treasures.
Parcak has worked in twelve countries and four continents, using multispectral and high-resolution satellite imagery to identify thousands of previously unknown settlements, roads, fortresses, palaces, tombs, and even potential pyramids. From there, her stories take us back in time and across borders, into the day-to-day lives of ancient humans whose traits and genes we share. And she shows us that if we heed the lessons of the past, we can shape a vibrant future.
Reviews
Praise for Archaeology from Space
“This is a fascinating glimpse into a young field just as its technological possibilities are exploding . . . By panning out, we perceive what’s invisible on the ground: features that relate not just to the physical landscape, but to the history of humanity, and our relationship with Earth.”—Nature
“Her writing is full of evocative anecdotes and personal insights gleaned from years of experience in dusty trenches as well as behind the computer screen, poring over satellite images . . . Throughout the book, Parcak’s love for her work and the people she studies is evident, and her enthusiasm is contagious. From Vikings in Iceland and Canada to amphitheaters in Italy and back to her first love, pharaonic Egypt, she brings both the present and the past to life."—Science Magazine
"Warm, impassioned and funny . . . It’s a book that will prove enlightening to all manner of reader, but perhaps most of all, it’s a book that one could see being the catalyst that sparks a young person’s passion, whether it be space archaeology or some other scientific endeavor.”—The Maine Edge
“Parcak’s career has sent her zooming around the globe, and in Archaeology from Space, her many fascinating discoveries and colorful stories are rendered in lively, conversational language—though they are always backed up with painstakingly fact-checked notes and citations.”—Bangor Daily News
“Archaeology from Space presents a lively and engaging narrative about not only what it’s like to be an archaeologist, but how archaeologists use the data they gather to understand the ancient world.”—Forbes.com
“Parcak's love for her field and her deep wonder and excitement come through on every page . . . Clear, accessible and fascinating, peppered with witty asides and informative photos, Archaeology From Space is an excellent introduction to an exciting subfield that's still flying under the (satellite) radar.”—Shelf Awareness (starred review)
“Part memoir, part pop-history, Sarah Parcak's writing bursts with enthusiasm and illuminates her pioneering research that seems more like science fiction than the hard science it is.”—Steve Brusatte, University of Edinburgh paleontologist and author of the New York Times bestseller The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs
"A crash course in the amazing new science of space archaeology that only Sarah Parcak can give. This book will awaken the explorer in all of us."—Chris Anderson, Head of TED
"This book is so much more than the memoir of a dedicated archaeologist—it’s an open invitation for all of us to become explorers. She has pioneered crowd source archaeology, and shows how we can join her on the adventures of discovery that we've always dreamed about."—Peter Jackson, Academy Award-winning director
"Sarah Parcak is a scientist, an historian, and an explorer—but above all, she is a writer. Her work illuminates our past, and in so doing, helps us to understand our future. Lively, generous, and inspiring."—Jennifer Finney Boylan, author of She’s Not There and Long Black Veil
“Divining clues about what’s hidden beneath the earth from satellites high above, Parcak takes the reader on a worldwide adventure through our shared and ancient past. With delightful wit, infectious wonder, and a big dose of wisdom about where we’re headed, she offers anyone with a computer the chance to become a virtual Indiana Jones.”—Juli Berwald, author of Spineless: The Science of Jellyfish and the Art of Growing a Backbone
“Fun and informative, full of interesting nuggets and personal anecdotes from the brightest star in space archaeology, this is a book unlike any other."—Eric Cline, author of 1177 BC
“A renowned space archaeologist gives readers an insider's look at her field, which is basically Indiana Jones meets cutting-edge satellite technology. It's every bit as exciting as it sounds . . . Parcak has a lot of great stories to tell, and she tells them with clarity, enthusiasm, and humor . . . Exciting and futuristic, this book elicits that anything-is-possible feeling—a must-read.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Parcak is an extremely engaging writer and has done a lot of very interesting stuff . . . Parcak shares enough of herself to entrance anyone who shares her Indiana Jones dreams, while elucidating the exciting new field of satellite archaeology. This is a thoroughly delightful and downright fascinating work of popular science."—Booklist
“Parcak’s book provides a revelatory look at an exciting new field.”—Publishers Weekly
Reviews from Goodreads
BOOK EXCERPTS
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Introduction
My entire life is in ruins. Quite literally. No, this is not a cry-for-help book, nor a journey of self-discovery. I am an archaeologist. I’ve spent much of the last 20 years working on excavations in Egypt and the Middle...
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Rediscovering Our History Through Archaeology from Space
Imagine being able to rewrite history. Or to discover an ancient civilization right beneath your feet. Dr. Sarah Parcak is finding the undiscovered, where no one ever thought to look: space.
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