Abstract

These volumes are published in the series “Duckworth Debates in Archaeology” edited by Richard Hodges. Each is designed to introduce students and scholars “to a theme which is the subject of contemporary debate in archaeology” (thus the back cover blurb). The books are short in compass but are provided with thorough bibliographies and indices (this latter much to the credit of series editor and publisher alike). The two volumes considered here are very different in scope and character. In what follows, I will devote most space to Stephen L. Dyson’s The Roman Countryside, because it is likely to be of more interest to readers of this journal.