New Practical Handbook on Human Remains

The CBA is pleased to announce today the publication of this important new handbook, providing the latest guidance on the recovery, handling and study of human remains.

Human Remains in Archaeology: A Handbook
Charlotte Roberts
CBA Practical Handbook 19, ISBN: 978-1-902771-75-5
200pp, 121 illus incl colour, February 2009, Price £20 GBP
www.britarch.ac.uk/books/Roberts2008

This new CBA Practical Handbook provides the very latest guidance on all aspects of the recovery, handling and study of human remains. It begins by asking why we should study human remains, and the ethical issues surrounding their recovery, analysis and curation, along with consideration of the current legal requirements associated with the excavation of human remains in Britain. The nature of the disposal of the dead and the effect of the environment on their preservation is then considered.

In the following chapters, the author gives practical advice on the excavation, processing and conservation of human remains, and the recording of age at death, sex, height, and pathological lesions.

A chapter is also devoted to advanced methodological developments, including stable isotope and ancient DNA analyses. With an extensive bibliography, this book is essential reading for all professional practitioners, students of burial archaeology and human bioarchaeology, and the interested public.

Charlotte Roberts is professor of archaeology at Durham University. She has been undertaking research into the history of disease since 1983, and teaches human osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology. Charlotte is recognised as one of the UK’s leading experts on the study of human remains.

To purchase this book, visit www.britarch.ac.uk/books or call Central Books on 0845 458 9910. For US orders, please visit www.oxbowbooks.com

Look out for lots more CBA publications, including a range of special offers, and pre-publication prices on our forthcoming titles.