Ideal for Introduction to Archaeology and World Prehistory courses, and geared toward students with little-to-no previous coursework in the subject area, The Past in Perspective, Fourth Edition is an engaging, up-to-date, chronological introduction to human prehistory. Written in a conversational, appealing tone, Kenneth L. Feder introduces students to "the big picture"--the grand sweep of human evolutionary history, presenting the human past within the context of a series of fundamental themes of cultural evolution. His is a captivatingly written narrative of the trajectories of human development--and of the fascinating processes employed to reveal those trajectories. The Past in Perspective distinguishes itself with a series of common headings across its chapters that help students to master the complex story of the human past. Each chapter includes the following headings: Prelude, Chronicle, Issues and Debates, Case Study Close-up, Visiting the Past, Summary, and To Learn More. These sections work together to paint a picture of human antiquity in vivid detail. Each chapter also includes a timeline of events and a listing of archaeological sites mentioned in the text. This text is supplemented by a companion website (www.oup.com/us/feder), which includes student resources (chapter summaries, multiple choice quizzes, glossaries, and flashcards), as well as instructor resources (PowerPoint slides and links to professional resources). The latter is also available on an Instructor's CD, along with an Instructor's Manual, which includes a Word-based test bank.