Telling Stories of the Past

Brian Fagan is arguably the best-known archaeologist of the past half century. His nine textbooks have introducted hundreds of thousands of students to archaeology. His circa 50 popular books on everything from Stonehenge to human origins to carbon dating, brought archaeology to a huge swath of the public and sometimes landed on the New York Times bestseller list. He wrote columns for archaeology magazines and for general ones. He was an engaging and entertaining speaker, regularly talking about the past, on radio, TV, and to live audiences. Telling Stories of the Past is Fagan's memoir of his life and work, completed only days before his death in July 2025. In this book he charts his early career as a field archaeologist in Africa, his work as a museum officer, his entry into academic life, his writing and teaching at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his long career as a consultant working with the National Geographic Society, the BBC and other media organizations. He won numerous awards for his public writing, teaching and media work. His book draws close attention to his work as a writer and a teacher, describing his process for developing trade books and textbooks and his approach to attracting students to archaeology through innovative teaching methods. The guidance he provides here is of great value to both scholars and writers. Fagan also discusses his concern with climate change, resulting in a series of four recent books on the subject. A lifelong sailor, Brian shows how the discipline required for sailing impacted his ability to think and write as an archaeologist. His interaction with many of the legendary figures in archaeology are recounted as well. Written in Fagan's clear, popular style, this volume will provide direction for younger archaeologists who wish to engage with the general public and will be an illuminating guide to archaeology for non-specialist readers.