From its start, The Digital Press at the University of North Dakota decided that archaeology would be on of its key areas of concentration. Not only were archaeologists familiar with the idea of cooperative and collaborative work so close to the heart of The Digital Press, but they also were starting to embrace open publication of their research and data in new and exciting ways. Plus, one of the founders and directors of The Press is an archaeologist. (In fact, check out a paper that he coauthored with some colleagues on digital archaeology and digital publishing at this week’s annual meeting of the Society of American Archaeology or here on his blog!)

We also recognized that there were all sorts of archaeological publications that did not fit into the spaces carved out by traditional academic presses. Our first book, for example, Punk Archaeology (see below) was perhaps too informal, too spontaneous, and too ramshackle to fit into the more straight-laced conventions of academic publishing. Our next book, which I’ve very quietly announcing here, Corinth Excavations Archaeological Manual, was perhaps too technical and too comfortably left to the vagaries of grey literature circulation.

The Digital Press has embraced these books as having a place within academic publishing and conversations, and we’re gratified to see that many of our colleagues have shared our enthusiasm by citing, circulating, and celebrating our work.

So stay tuned tuned to The Digital Press for more exciting and unusual releases in archaeology, and enjoy our catalogue below.

Mobilizing the Past: The Potential of Digital Archaeology
2016
Edited by Erin Walcek Averett, Jody Michael Gordon, and Derek B. Counts

Mobilizing the Past is a collection of 20 articles that explore the use and impact of mobile digital technology in archaeological field practice. The detailed case studies present in this volume range from drones in the Andes to iPads at Pompeii, digital workflows in the American Southwest, and examples of how bespoke, DIY, and commercial software provide solutions and craft novel challenges for field archaeologists. The range of projects and contexts ensures that Mobilizing the Past for a Digital Future is far more than a state-of-the-field manual or technical handbook. Instead, the contributors embrace the growing spirit of critique present in digital archaeology. This critical edge, backed by real projects, systems, and experiences, gives the book lasting value as both a glimpse into present practices as well as the anxieties and enthusiasm associated with the most recent generation of mobile digital tools.

Download the book here (free) | Buy a physical copy of the book here

Punk Archaeology
2014
Edited by Kostis Kourelis, William R. Caraher, and Andrew Reinhard

Punk Archaeology is a irreverent and relevant movement in archaeology, and these papers provide a comprehensive anti-manifesto

Download the book here (free) | Buy a physical copy of the book here

Visions of Substance
2015
Edited by Brandon Olson and William Caraher

With the advent of low-cost and easy to use 3D imaging tools, the discipline of archaeology is on the cusp of a major change in how we document, study, and publish archaeological contexts. While there are a growing number of volumes dedicated to this subject, Visions of Substance: 3D Imaging in Mediterranean Archaeology represents an accessible and conversational introduction to the theory and practice of 3D imaging techniques in a Mediterranean and European context.

Download the book for here (Free) | Buy a physical copy of the book here