This book was awarded the 2005 SAA Award for Excellence in Archaeological Analysis. It is a practical volume that does not intend to replace a mentor, but acts as a readily accessible guide to the basic tools of lithic analysis. Some focuses of the manual include: history of stone tool research; procurement, manufacture and function; assemblage variability. This manual also includes text boxes, bringing basic terms and information to the attention of the researcher. The book will be an incomparable source for academic archaeologists, cultural resource and heritage management archaeologists, government heritage agencies, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students of archaeology focused on the prehistoric period.

1. History Of Stone Tool Research.- Procurement.- Tool Manufacture.- Assemblage Variability.- Tool Use.- Behavioral Questions.- Perspectives.- 2. Procurement.- Formation Of Rock.- Igneous Rocks.- Sedimentary Rocks.- Metamorphic Rocks.- Summary.- Geomorphic Processes.- Defining The Problem.- Is This Material Local?.- What is the Source of the Material?.- Visual Characterization.- Hand Specimens.- Petrographic Techniques.- Geochemical Techniques.- Neutron Activation Analysis.- X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis.- PIXE and Similar Techniques.- Other Instrumental Types of Analysis.- General Remarks.- 3. Tool Manufacture.- Fracture Mechanics.- General Principles.- Types of Fracture.- Fracture Features.- Types Of Flaking And Flakers.- Percussion Flaking.- Pressure Flaking.- Primary And Secondary Modification.- Primary Modification.- Secondary Modification.- Ground Stone.- Manufacture-Ground Specimens.- Use-Ground Specimens.- Analyzing Ground Stone Tools.- 4. Assemblage Variability.- Detecting Vectors Of Information.- Raw Material.- Technology: Basic Partitioning.- Technology: Distinguishing Trajectories.- Morphology: Characterizing Shape.- Function.- Comparing Assemblages.- Comparing Class Structure.- Comparing Specific Classes.- Analyzing Unretouched Debris.- Individual Flake Analysis.- Mass Analysis.- Summary.- 5. Toolfunction.- Use-Wear Analysis.- Background.- Techniques.- Summary.- Residue Analysis.- Plant Remains.- Blood Residues.- Summary.- 6. Ecountering Pehistoric Bhavior.- Subsistence.- Food Procurement.- Food Processing.- Shelter, Facilities And Clothing.- Structures and Facilities.- Clothing.- Organization Of Mobility And Technology.- Tool Design.- Raw Material Procurement, Supply, and Use.- Complex Societies.- Production of Surplus Goods.- Material Replacement.- Concluding Remarks.- References.