Buildings in Society: International Studies in the Historic Era.

Abstract

and literacy as a means of identity-creation and distancing from an author’s origins — Douglass as a former slave, and Yezierska as an immigrant. The final chapter of the book by Benjamin Skolnik, under the section title ‘Coda’, returns to Wye House and the ‘Archaeology in Annapolis’ project, on which much of the archaeology in the book is based. The chapter situates Douglass (and, by extension, the book) in its comparative historical context, as well as a wider intellectual context of post-colonial scholarship. While not concluding the contents of the book in a formulaic way, Skolnik’s chapter provides an appropriate bookend to Leone and Jenkins introduction, synthesizing the archaeological elements of the book in their historical context. This book is occasionally evocative and emotional and is unapologetic about this. The intended readership is undoubtedly academic, but the book is nonetheless pitched to appeal beyond the academy, to a general readership. While the standard of scholarship is very high, the book is well written and easy to read. Students will find the book useful as a detailed comparative study of the transnational history and archaeology of slavery and migration, and as an example of good interdisciplinary practice. Indeed, the bibliographies alone are a valuable resource. A general readership may be more interested in the case studies and sites employed within. For this reason, it is a pity that the volume is so expensive (for example, Amazon sells the book at $72 plus shipping, with no clear UK purchasing option) and difficult to locate easily online. The publishers ought to consider cheaper options for a future edition.