"No serious student of Rock Art studies can justify not having this book in their library--- it is more than a book-- it is a tool for research. Read the complete review online at: http://dirtbrothers.org/reviews/rockart.html#introRockArtResearch"
- Bob Wishoff, dirtbrothers.org
"A refreshing book [that] discusses issues, problems and solutions common with the study of this type of site. Whitley lays out for the reader the most basic issues in \"rock art\" research. Overall, this book presents an interesting take on \"rock art\" for someone who is new to the field or students who want an overview of the topic."
- Daniel Gendron, Canadian Journal of Archaeology
"Although Whitley’s book looks ahead to the future of the discipline, it is also an important and current assessment of where rock art research stands...Although it masquerades as a practical introductory text, it is also a sophisticated consideration of method in rock art research...All archaeology students, professional archaeologists and those with an avocational interest should acquire a copy.
"
- Lara Mallen, Rock Art Research Institute, in the South African Archaeological Bulletin
"
Introduction to Rock Art Research is well written, highly readable, and to the point. One only has to read the preface and David Whitley's love for rock art is immediately obvious; his affection for, and his considerable experience in, this facet of archaeology is evident throughout...All but the most knowledgable of researchers in the field of rock art can learn something from this book, and such experts might well use it as a refresher. "
- Tommy Charles, University of South Carolina
"
Renowned rock art scholar and director of a major contract archaeology firm, Whitley provides the first textbook-level
introduction to rock art research as a mainstream specialty in anthropological archaeology. Whitley writes in a very
accessible and engaging style, but provides sufficient detail where appropriate. He covers the entire range of rock art
research, including fieldwork, dating, interpretation, management, and conservation. He also provides a very useful
glossary and a comprehensive bibliography. This volume is highly recommended not only for students and the general
public learning about rock art research for the first time, but also for faculty and other specialists seeking an
authoritative update on this rapidly maturing specialty. While the coverage is similar, libraries that own Whitley's much
more technical edited volume Handbook of Rock Art Research would be well advised to add
this new volume to their collections. Summing Up: Essential. All levels/libraries "
- CHOICE
"
This new book by David Whitley is hugely readable by anybody
interested in rock art, whether they be students, beginners,
enthusiasts or seasoned professionals. His long experience doing field
work, teaching and thinking about the ins and outs of research (not
necessarily in that order!) has enabled him to produce a well-balanced
extremely useful book."
- Jean Clottes, French Ministry of Culture
"
David Whitley has written a wonderfully pragmatic book that
places rock art studies in the mainstream of the rapidly changing
archaeological world. This important guide is essential reading for
both academic archaeologists and anyone concerned with heritage and
site conservation. Strongly recommended as a fine starting point for
student and professional alike."
- Brian Fagan, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, University of California Santa Barbara
"
A basic, clearly written introduction to rock art research
which advocates an integrated approach that involves much more than
fieldwork."
- Oxbow Newsletter
"
Formerly trivialized as ancient grafitti, rock art is now recognized as an important part of ancient cultures. This volume is a much-needed step in bringing it into the scholarly mainstream."
- American Archaeology