Indiana Jones. Lara Croft. Archaeologist as folk hero, detective, treasure hunter. The meaning of things below the surface. The life history of Stonehenge. Las Vegas' Luxor Hotel. Copies of artifacts as contemporary kitch. The connections between archaeology and contemporary culture are endless. Cornelius Holtorf merges archaeological and cultural theory to take readers on an erudite tour of these intersections, using wide-ranging examples and compelling images to support his often controversial theses. Deliberately blurring the borders between past people and present meanings, this ambitious project seeks no less than the redefinition of the term "archaeology." Equal parts amusing, infuriating, and provocative, this work will interest students and teachers in archaeology, anthropology, cultural studies and human geography, as well as professionals in heritage management and museums.

"From Stonehenge to Las Vegas: archaeology as popular culture is a playful examination of the intersection between past and present...[it is] a great roadmap by which one can, in Benjaminesque fashion, get productively lost and hopefully take a few people along for the ride." - Public Archaeology, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2007, 64-67

"This book is fundamental work for archaeology in the 21st century, and it is hoped that Holtorf's study stimulates debate and new research over the next decades into the popular context of archaeology today." - Anthropology Review Database

"A good book. . . well-reasoned and thought-provoking." - Alun

"From Stonehenge to Las Vegas will...influence readers to contemplate...this book is provocative and should inspire professional archaeologists to rekindle the senses of wonder that attracted them to this discipline in the first place." - Historical Archaeology

"The book is...an easy read and packed with information and insightful commentary on the nature and meaning of archaeology in modern-day (Western) culture. Readers will especially appreciate the in-depth discussions..." - South African Archaeological Bulletin

"This provocative volume offers a set of extended reflections on the evolving relationship between archaeology and contemporary Western popular culture." - Norwegian Archaeological Review, Vol. 39, No. 2

"From Stonehenge to Las Vegas is packed with information...Holtorf writes with spirit and enthusiasm..." - Journal Of The Royal Anthropological Institute