Originally published in 1926, this book was written to provide students with an introduction to the study of the Mesolithic, Neolithic and earliest Metal Ages. The text deploys various perspectives, from the global to the specifically regional, allowing for a broad overview of the development of civilisation. A detailed index and numerous illustrative figures are also contained. Highly informative, this book will be of value to anyone with an interest in approaches to the study of human prehistory and the growth of technology.