For nearly half a century, Erich von Däniken has been developing his account of human history. The fantastic thesis he has been suggesting is that extraterrestrials have been visiting our planet during various periods in the past. And that there is evidence, often archaeological evidence, to prove it. Whereas most academic archaeologist tend to write off this stuff without further ado, I prefer to take it seriously for what it is. A very popular idea. Däniken ist one of the most successful non-fiction authors of all times, and still adding new titles to his impressive list.
A recent volume Däniken edited is Jäger verlorenen Wissens. Auf den Spuren einer verbotenen Archäologie (Hunters of lost knowledge. On the tracks of a forbidden archaeology). Here is my review, in German.
3 thoughts on “Archaeology for all!”
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I haven’t read the specific book, but I am aquainted with von Dänikens general views on archaeologists and prehistory.
In the review you appear to pick your way around the subject without passing judgement – be it good or bad – on the contents of the book.
So you take von Dänikens books seriously as ‘popular ideas’, but oddly you refrain from expressing your personal opinion on his writings?
Out of pure curiosity may I ask you about your opinion as a professional archaeologist and (perhaps rather) as a private person?
Henrik,
I don’t think the point of a review is necessarily to pass judgement as to whether a given book’s argument is “good or bad”.
But since you were asking, here is an answer. Professionally I don’t think, EvD’s ideas are compatible with traditional academic archaeology (and he would be the first to agree with that!). Personally, I don’t particularly enjoy reading EvD’s works either (I only know one other title, Erinnerungen an die Zukunft). However, I loved the Mystery Park in Interlaken which I visited a year ago.
So why did I bother reviewing this book? Because a reformed academic archaeology that seeks to engage actively with the meaning and role of archaeology in contemporary society cannot afford to ignore something as widely read as EvD’s books. Whether we like it or not, EvD is bigger than we are.
I agree that it is not necessary to deem a book good or bad when you review it, let alone express your personal opinion.
But it surely makes the review more exciting to read!