"Archaeologists have recently emerged as some of the most sophisticated evolutionists in the human sciences. O'Brien and Shennan's book on innovation is an important contribution to a central but difficult topic. It showcases what archaeologists and their allies are accomplishing."
—Peter J. Richerson, Distinguished Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis

"The idea of cultural innovation, the long-term success of cultural novelty, is examined by experts from various fields of study—anthropology, archaeology, biology, economics, neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology. The strength of this book is the diversity of approaches and critical spirit it brings to key concepts and problems in cultural evolution. This is an essential work on an important topic."
—George Basalla, author of The Evolution of Technology

"The volume collects in one place all of the major players in a new area of interest at the intersection of evolutionary biology, archaeology, anthropology, economics, and philosophy of science—'innovation studies'—with eminent representatives from all these fields putting forward their best theory and evidence. A stimulating collection."
—Robert Aunger, Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine