Handbooks for Archeologists No. 3 Radiocarbon Dating

This concise handbook offers a clear introduction to the principles and practice of radiocarbon (C‑14) dating for archaeologists and students of the past. Written by W.G. Mook, a respected Dutch physicist and specialist in isotope research, it explains the scientific foundations of the method, including radioactive decay, measurement techniques, calibration, and the interpretation of results. The volume also addresses practical concerns such as sample selection, contamination, accuracy, and limitations, helping readers understand both the power and the pitfalls of radiocarbon dating in archaeological research. Designed as an accessible guide rather than a highly technical treatise, it bridges the gap between laboratory science and field archaeology. This slim but informative work will interest archaeology students, researchers, and anyone seeking a reliable overview of one of the most important dating methods used to reconstruct human history.