The first overview of sampling for archaeologists for over twenty years, this manual offers a comprehensive account of the applications of statistical sampling theory which are essential to modern archaeological practice at a range of scales, from the regional to the microscopic. Bringing archaeologists up to date with an aspect of their work which is often misunderstood, it includes a discussion of the relevance of sampling theory to archaeological interpretation, and considers its fundamental place in fieldwork and post-excavation study. It demonstrates the vast range of techniques that are available, only some of which are widely used by archaeologists. A section on statistical theory also reviews latest developments in the field, and the formal mathematics is available in an appendix, cross-referenced with the main text.

"...probably one of the best books written on sampling and sampling statistics...I would recommend it most highly, as it provides one of the most succinct assessments of sampling in archaeology to date." Canadian Journal of Archaeology

"This book provides good advice on designing and planning archaelogical studies and contains an extensive up-to-date bibliography." Journal of Anthropological Research