Building upon the excellent biomedical baseline established by Drs. Arthur Aufderheide, Aidan Cockburn, Mike Zimmermann and colleagues, this volume adds a contextual, bioarchaeological perspective to mummy science. By considering theoretical perspectives on the body, along with ancient mummified bodies themselves, Nystrom presents a global stock-taking, as he also points to new and exciting future directions. This volume is a "must-read" for all specialists and non-specialist alike who wish a contemporary statement about these fascinating remnants of humankinds past.
Jane Buikstra, Arizona State University, USA
What a great resource this will be to bioarchaeology students and researchers alike! This is the only book of its kind. It integrates studies of mummified human remains with bioarcheological approaches in a seamless and convincing manner. Prior to this book, research using mummies has had its own separate trajectory. However, the creative use of many case studies and examples in this book provides a compelling call for continuing the integration of mummy studies into broader anthropological approaches. What is most unique in this history and review of mummy studies is the number of innovative ways that social theory, new methodologies and important questions are provided as examples for how to take mummy studies into new areas of research, and the importance of doing so.
Debra L. Martin, University of Nevada/Las Vegas, USA
