First Published in 1957, The Past in Pieces prefaced by an account of how finds are made and examined, interpreted and preserved, deals in turn with each of the three main geographical- chronological divisions of the historic period- the Oriental (Asian and Egyptian affairs, from the beginning of written records to Roman times)

the Mediterranean (the era of Greco-Roman influence which ended with the death of Constantine the Great)

and the pre-Columbian American (Mayan, Incan, and other such epochs)- thus affording a highly informative glimpse behind the archaeological scenes, and incidentally providing a fascinating story of hidden treasures and long lost cities, of royal burial chambers and ruined temples, of mysterious monuments and now vanished peoples. This book is an interesting read for students of archaeology and history.