Ideal for introduction to archaeology and world prehistory courses, The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory, Eighth Edition, is an engaging and up-to-date chronological overview of human prehistory. Kenneth L. Feder introduces students to "the big picture" - the grand sweep of human evolutionary history - presenting the human past within the context of fundamental themes of cultural evolution. Feder's unique, refreshing, and accessible narrative personalizes the past and makes it relevant to today's students. Using a consistent chapter format - "Prelude, Chronicle, Issues and Debates, Messages from the Past, and Case Study Close-up" - Feder helps students master both what we know and what is still debated about the complex story of the human past.