Starting with the voyages of discovery and continuing to the present, the author evaluates the major theoretical traditions in historical archaeology while contributing significantly to the debate.

Chapter 1 Material conditions; Chapter 2 Colonial discourse; Chapter 3 Regimes of order; Chapter 4 Substantial identities; Chapter 5 Hidden voices; Chapter 6 Bodily uncertainties; Chapter 7 Emergencies of the moment; Chapter 8 Heart of whiteness;

Martin Hall is Professor of Historical Archaeology in the Centre for African Studies and Dean of Higher Education Development at the University of Cape Town as well President of the World Archaeological Congress.