This eighth edition of "In the Beginning" begins with a summary of the history of the subject and then provides an overview of the objectives and processes of archaeological research and the basic principles of culture, context and dating methods. The book also examines some of the major theoretical approaches to archaeological interpretation and shows how archaeologists use such techniques as ethnographic analogy, middle range theory and controlled experimentation to interpret the past. The closing chapters summarize major theoretical debates and advances. With new emphases on gender, ethnic diversity and the importance of archaeology in the modern world, "In the Beginning" is intended for anyone in need of a comprehensive book on method and theory in archaeology.