Christopher DeCorse, Distinguished Professor and chair of anthropology, has written a new book, “Fringe Archaeology: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Past” (Cognella Academic Publishing, 2024).

The book explores the intertwining of archaeology and popular culture, as well as depictions of archaeology in film and fiction. DeCorse considers the field’s representation in media, scrutinizing the portrayals of modern archaeology and comparing them to early antiquarian research and imaginative depictions of the past. The book also reveals how fabricated or exaggerated claims shape public understanding, further political agendas and impact the management of cultural resources.

DeCorse’s research focuses on African archaeology and history, general anthropology, colonialism and change, and culture contact. He currently is directing research projects in Sierra Leone and Ghana. He has authored, co-authored and edited numerous other publications including, “An Archaeology of Elmina: Africans and Europeans on the Gold Coast, 1400-1900” (Percheron Press, 2021), “Power, Political Economy, and Historical Landscapes of the Modern World: Interdisciplinary Perspectives” (SUNY Press, 2019), “British Forts and Their Communities: Archaeological and Historical Perspectives” (University Press of Florida, 2018), and “West Africa during the Atlantic Slave Trade: Archaeological Perspectives” (Bloomsbury Academic, 2016). He has published several textbooks, including a new introduction to archaeology and world prehistory forthcoming with Sage Publishing.

DeCorse was named a Distinguished Professor at Maxwell in 2023 and is currently involved with the Maxwell African Scholars Union as a senior research associate. 

From the publisher:

Through nine engaging chapters, readers are guided through topics covering the foundations of archaeological methods, the fossil record of human origins, the relationship between Neanderthals and modern humans, the complexities of Neolithic cultures, fact and fantasy in the study of the ancient Egyptian past, and the story of Nazi archaeology and the politics of the past. The book demystifies sensationalist and non-scientific interpretations while providing a clear understanding of archaeological practice and evidence. Designed to enhance students’ critical thinking, the evaluation of archaeological evidence, and the responsible interpretation of the past, “Fringe Archaeology” is an exemplary resource as a primary or supplementary textbook for archaeology, history, and anthropology classes.