People, Prehistory and the Past

Essays in honour of John Waddell

Michelle Comber and Kieran O’Conor

“There are few students of archaeology who have not had their first introduction to the subject via John Waddell’s The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. It is right and fitting therefore that based on that text alone, which has probably launched 1000 careers, that his achievements be celebrated by a collection of essays inspired by his work. This is an impressive and beautifully presented text, with genuinely innovative and sometimes controversial contributions from some of Ireland’s finest archaeological minds ... All in all an impressive text … It is refreshing and energetic from cover to cover ... There’ll be a more in-depth coverage in the next edition of Ulster Journal of Archaeology. Rena Maguire (Ulster Archaeological Society Newsletter, Spring 2025) 

"People, prehistory and the past: essays in honour of John Waddell […] is a fitting tribute to a man with such an extensive legacy. Colleagues, peers and friends are among the contributors to this varied and intriguing book. The authors have furthered Waddell’s own research and have introduced new and exciting perspectives. This wide range of themes reflects Waddell’s own broad realm of influence." Archaeology Ireland, Autumn 2025.