The Land of the Hittites is a rare find in archaeological literature. This important summary of Garstang’s travels and studies in Anatolia (present-day Turkey) is fully illustrated with nearly 100 photographs as well as maps and plans. Written in language accessible to non-archaeologists, this account details the marvels revealed by archaeology in ancient western Asia. The study begins with documentation of the geography of the region, giving the reader a sense of the world as seen by the Hittites of antiquity. The history of the Hittite period is outlined for the reader before Garstang moves on to the monumental architecture of the Hittites. These monuments are described in detail. The ancient northern capital of Boghazkoi and the walled towns and palaces are included in the physical remains of this great empire. Garstang’s treatment concludes with a substantial history of the Hittites, people referred to in the Bible and in the historical records of other ancient Near Eastern civilizations.

John Garstang (1876-1956) was an eminent British archaeologist. While holding posts at the University of Liverpool, the British Department of Antiquities for the British Mandate (director 1920-1926), and the British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem (head 1919-1926), Garstang did much work in the field. He founded the British Institute of Archaeology at Ankara, and served as its first director. He is primarily known for his excavations at Jericho and in Anatolia.