We are excited to announce the recent release of The Routledge Handbook of Archaeology and Plastics, edited by Genevieve Godin, Þóra Pétursdóttir, Estelle Praet, and John Schofield. This comprehensive book delves into the archaeology of the contemporary world through the lens of one of its most defining and problematic materials: plastics.
Since their widespread adoption in the early 1950s, plastics have become ubiquitous, shaping our daily lives for nearly three generations. However, the legacy of plastics is set to extend for millennia, leaving its mark on the future as a toxic heritage. Featuring 32 original and critically engaged contributions, this book presents a multi-faceted exploration of plastics by scholars from archaeology and other related disciplines.
The book delves into the complex nature of plastics: valuable for their usefulness yet posing significant environmental health threats. The volume also explores the lessons plastics can offer regarding episodes of mass production, consumption and toxicity in the past, and also – importantly – about the future.
For more information about the book, please visit https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003272311/routledge-handbook-archaeology-plastics-þóra-pétursdóttir-john-schofield-genevieve-godin-estelle-praet
Relics of Nature 