This World Book Day, we asked our staff what they’ve been reading lately. Read on to learn about medieval burial practices, knitting with dog hair and what it's like to have dinner with Harrison Ford.
Rummage: A History of the Things We Have Reused, Recycled and Refused to Let Go by Emily Cockayne
Chosen by: Jasmine, Finds Processor
Rummage is a fascinating deep dive into objects, mundane and otherwise, that have been reused and repurposed throughout British history. Cockayne brings to life stories of Victorian entrepreneurs crafting elegant pianos out of papier-mâché, wartime Brits donating metal railings for the war effort, and even women spinning dog hair into yarn during World War I.
Cockayne's book reminds us that our ancestors were masters of making do, turning trash into treasure in ways that range from ingenious to downright weird. If you want a fresh perspective on waste and sustainability, this is a book that rails against the throw-away nature of modern consumerism.
A History of Women in 101 Objects by Annabell Hirsch
Chosen by: Scarlett, Archives Technician
A History of Women in 101 Objects showcases artefacts that reflect the multifaceted experiences of women from prehistoric times to the present. Each object, accompanied by a full-page illustration, serves as a focal point for essays that delve into the lives, challenges, and contributions of women across different eras.
From a Goddess of Isis Statuette to a 17th century dress pocket, each carefully chosen object provides insight into women's societal roles and personal lives. Hirsch explores how women have been perceived, how they've viewed themselves, and their ongoing struggles for freedom and recognition. As an added bonus, the audiobook is narrated by a cast of brilliant women!
Crypt: Life, Death and Disease in the Middle Ages by Alice Roberts
Chosen by: Amber, Communications Assistant
What list would be complete without Alice Roberts? This book recently won Current Archaeology's Book of the Year 2025 and for good reason. The final book in Roberts' trilogy, following Ancestors and Buried, Crypt is a fascinating look at medieval life in Britain as she uncovers the secrets of the Middle Ages—one skeleton at a time.
From mass graves of Black Death victims to the bodies of medieval lepers and even the remains of sailors from Henry VIII’s doomed warship, the Mary Rose, Roberts pieces together the past using archaeology, science, and historical records. She explores how people lived, how they died, and what their bones can tell us about the diseases, injuries, and hardships they endured. With her usual mix of expertise and engaging storytelling, Roberts never fails to bring history to life.
Archaeology from Space: How the Future Shapes Our Past by Sarah Parcak
Chosen by: Tom, Archives Officer
This is a fascinating deep dive into how satellite technology is revolutionising archaeology. Parcak takes readers on an adventure across the globe, showing how high-tech imagery and remote sensing are helping to reveal secrets that were hidden for thousands of years—from hidden pyramids in Egypt to Viking settlements in North America.
Though this blend of cutting-edge science and old-school detective work has led to some incredible discoveries, Parcak is candid about the setbacks she has faced and speculates about what life might look like for archaeologists in the 22nd century. Beyond the tech, Parcak shares an array of personal stories from the field and her background as an Egyptologist, the challenges of working in archaeology, and even a dinner with Harrison Ford! This is a must read for anyone interested in the future of archaeology and where the technology could take us.
The Bone Trap by Tomord Cockburn
Chosen by: Erica, Finds Officer
The Bone Trap is a gripping blend of mystery, archaeology, and Scottish folklore. It follows Gillan McArdle, a once-promising archaeologist whose career is hanging by a thread after a costly mistake. Desperate for redemption, he stumbles upon a bizarre and ancient skull—one that some believe could belong to a unicorn.
As he digs deeper, Gillan is pulled into a world of myth, danger, and deception, where the line between science and the supernatural begins to blur. With shadowy forces watching his every move, and his credibility on the line, he must uncover the truth—before it’s too late. Perfect for fans of mystery and folklore, The Bone Trap delivers a suspenseful journey through Scotland’s eerie landscapes.
Honourable mentions go to Ely Griffith's Ruth Galloway Mysteries, another popular choice amongst our colleagues, which revolves around a forensic archaeologist and her partnership with a local DCI as they unravel secrets, old and new!
