The Shanidar Neandertals describes the functional morphology of the Neanderthals and their place in human evolution based on a paleontological study of fossils discovered at Shanidar Cave in northeastern Iraq. Functional interpretations are provided that describe and discuss the individual fossils. The phylogenetic implications of the Shanidar specimens are also discussed. Comprised of 14 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the Neanderthal remains from the Shanidar Cave and the paleontological data obtained from the fossils. The discussion then turns to the history of the excavations in Shanidar Cave and the discoveries of the Neanderthals; morphometrics of the Shanidar remains; and determination of the age and sex of the Shanidar Neanderthals. Subsequent chapters focus on various aspects of the Neanderthal fossils, including the cranial and mandibular remains; the dental remains; the axial skeleton; and the upper and lower limb remains. The immature remains are also described, along with bodily proportions and the estimation of stature. This monograph will be of interest to archaeologists, anthropologists, paleontologists, and paleopathologists.

"The exploration of Shanidar Cave in Iraq has resulted in one of the most significant archaeological finds of recent years--the first archaeological traces of 'human nature.' And Ralph Solecki's firsthand account superbly communicates the excitement, the continual surprises, the labor, ingenuity, and technical subtlety that attended the discovery"--Book jacket.

Michael H. Day's Guide to Fossil Man is the standard reference work on hominid remains found at the major palaeolithic sites throughout the world. This fourth edition now includes details of fifteen new sites, as well as new evidence from thirty-four previously known sites featured in earlier editions of the book. Day begins with an introduction to the anatomy of human fossils. He then describes the forty-nine sites in Europe, the Near East, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania that have yielded the most significant information on the development of hominid species and the appearance of early man. Grouped geographically, each site description includes data on the hominid remains, other finds such as tools and animal bones, the local geology and contemporary geomorphology and ecology, and dating and other references. Sites featured for the first time in this edition include Kow Swamp and Mungo in Australia; Dali and Maba in China; and West Turkana in Kenya, which contained the almost complete skeleton of a boy determined to be 1,600,000 years old. Short essays on problems associated with neandertal, australpithecine, and Homo erectus remains are included, as well as a glossary, a geological time scale, charts and comprehensive illustrations. Day's Guide to Fossil Man is invaluable not only for working palaeontologists, palaeolithic archaeologists, and physical anthropologists, but also for anyone interested in human evolution.