Category:Fiction

Archaeological Fiction

No not archaeologists that make things up - but fiction with an archaeological setting. Archaeology has long been a favourite context of fiction writers and even some archaeologists have turned their hand to it. Agatha Christie - who's second husband was archaeologist Max Mallowan, Glyn Daniel and Jacquetta Hawkes come to mind.

Archaeology in fiction bibliography

What from New Zealand? Read on.

In the category of books for younger reader Take the Long Path Home (1978 Penguin Books NZ - still in print ISBN 9780143303497) by Joan De Hamel is stronger on spiritualism than science but should appeal to those with a bent for landscape and discovery. It is set on the Otago Peninsula.

Young adult readers of Owl (2001 Longacre Press ISBN 9781877135583) by Joanna Orwin will find the discovery of Maori rock art is central to the story. While the story has a contemporary setting in a South Island sheep station the plot revolves on the supernatural.

Human Remains Denis Welch (1999 David Ling Publishing Auckland.) - starts off with what seems to be an archaeological theme - the lead character is an American archaeologist sent here on an investigation of an aberrant moa hunter site burial with seeming connections elsewhere in the world. This and the initial Christchurch museum focus though get left behind as the plot turns into a thriller with strong spiritualist leanings. The archaeological side stays unresolved even while the relationships between the characters are.