[Review of] Quinn, Patrick Sean (2022) – Thin Section Petrography Geochemistry and Scanning Electron Microscopy of Archaeological Ceramics

Since its initial publication (2013), Quinn's volume has represented a key foundation, even dare I say, the key textbook for the production and interpretation of petrographic thin sections.Now the volume comes with significant expansion in this updated edition, featuring ceramic geochemistry, a timely addition given the importance of pairing a qualitative technique such as ceramic petrography alongside quantitative geochemical techniques.The volume is logically organised into nine chapters.The opening chapter, Chapter 1 establishes the overall scope of the book with the significance of compositional analysis to archaeology.Quinn reminds us that ceramic petrography is the oldest, and amongst the most popular scientific technique for compositional analysis of archaeological ceramics, affording an examination of both provenance and manufacturing techniques.In closing the chapter, Quinn further emphasises that whilst ceramic petrography can be used in isolation, its strength comes with a combined methodology, pairing it with other quantitative techniques to garner maximum information from archaeological ceramics.Chapter 2 details the overall workflow for preparation of thin sections, starting with the sampling of ceramics themselves, and the preparation of thin sections.The level of detail in this step-by-step procedure is such that newcomers to this technique could approach it as a practical checklist, working through equipment requirements, preparation stages and analytical considerations in sequence.Accompanying colour photos throughout also present useful comparanda for common pitfalls, preparation errors and things to avoid.Analytical equipment is also reviewed including polarising microscopes, portable microscopes for use 'in the field', with further mention too of online collection databases.Chapter 3 takes readers -now with their completed thin sections -through the initial steps in understanding their assemblage.It explores the composition of clay as an amalgamation of various minerals, the effect they have upon the overall colour and composition of the clay body and then introduces the different inclusions present within clay, whether naturally occurring, or artificially added by potters as temper.Many rock fragments are provided with basic ge- Michael P. LewisRecensões bibliográficas