Prehistoric copper mining has been a subject of archaeological investigation since the early twentieth century (Mitterberg, Austria), although the first copper mines had already been discovered during the eighteenth century. With the intensification of research in many regions of Europe during the 1960s and 1970s, rich and detailed information has become available. While prehistoric (copper) metallurgy has received broad attention, the specific issue of copper mining is still the preserve of a small circle of specialists and lacks a wider audience. William O’Brien is certainly correct in his belief that this situation can be at least partly explained by the specialist nature of the subject, requiring expertise across such diverse disciplines as geology and mining as well as archaeology; it may also be explained by the often geographically remote location of copper mines, distant from the densely settled areas that have been the traditional focus of archaeological interest and investigation. Given that research on copper mining and metallurgy cannot progress without such a broad and integrated perspective, it is no surprise that this is the approach adopted by O’Brien in this comprehensive book. By providing a region-by-region overview of copper mining in Europe from the Neolithic to the Iron Age, contextualised by discussion of environmental, economic and social aspects, he aims to address a wider academic audience or, as he puts it, to bring the topic more firmly into the mainstream of research on prehistoric Europe.

The book starts with a detailed introduction dealing with geological aspects of copper formation and deposits and a general overview of the history of archaeological research on copper mining. The following chapters are broadly divided into two sections. The first, comprising Chapters 2–7, deals with prehistoric copper mining in different regions of Europe from 5500–500 BC. Largely based on the rich archaeological evidence from key sites, O’Brien examines traces of prehistoric copper mining (mineral prospection, ore extraction and smelting) in the context of different geological settings, supplemented by information on the history of research in each area. He also takes into account regions where copper mining has been discussed but where evidence is still lacking, such as Norway and Sweden. This impressive European survey, supplemented by many illustrations, maps and photographs, allows the reader to gain a quick and informed overview of each area. The second section, comprising Chapters 8–10, focuses on themes including technological processes of mineral extraction and metal production, and the social organisation connected to these steps, as well as impacts on the natural environment. The level of detail with which some aspects of mining can be reconstructed through the collation and comparison of the available data (including the ethnographic record) is impressive. O’Brien's approach, however, is not restricted to the reconstruction of technological processes such as mining techniques. It also integrates considerations of ritual aspects (e.g. burials), activities in associated settlements, such as the supply of food, or wood for fuel, and last but not least, economic and social spheres including trade and social elites, although some aspects must remain, to a certain degree, speculative.

With the regional surveys in the second section of the volume, O’Brien has published a reference book on a European scale that will stimulate further research. Not only does he describe the most important sites and results of research, he also cites the basic literature for each region and thus provides an essential bibliography for this topic. The third section completes the picture by making clear that copper mining should not be reduced to technological processes or economic activity, but has to be understood in its dynamic social context. Together with the broad introductory chapter, this combination provides the perfect point of entry into the subject. The text is complemented by numerous black and white illustrations, photographs and tables.

O’Brien critically evaluates prevailing concepts and paradigms such as the question of task specialisation and the division of labour. He convincingly argues that some element of specialisation is likely, but should not be overestimated. He also questions the idea of professional miners in the sense of permanent occupational groups; the evidence points towards part-time activities undertaken on a seasonal basis. Further topics such as the evidence for child labour or severe environmental impacts are critically reviewed. In relation to the latter, substantial woodland clearance is not recorded and the evidence for impact on vegetation is restricted to a local scale. Last but not least, he discusses the idea of a close connection between early metallurgy and growing social complexity. On the basis of three case studies, O’Brien deconstructs this still dominant notion by showing that early copper production was, in many cases, small scale and took place on a seasonal basis. Instead, he argues, the archaeological record indicates that agricultural prosperity stimulated the development of metallurgy. With this survey of social and economic aspects, O’Brien succeeds in revising established thinking in many details.

Very few critical observations of this book can be made: in some chapters more references to current research would have been welcome, and the misspelling of Andrea Dolfini's surname as “Dolfina” should have been corrected. Such minor points, however, do not detract from what is an essential contribution to a richer understanding of copper mining in a wider social, economic and environmental context. This is the first book to tackle the subject matter on this scale and few are better qualified to have undertaken this task than O’Brien with his longstanding experience in the investigation of copper mines. His hope that this book will bring the topic of copper mining into the mainstream of research on prehistoric Europe will not be misplaced. This book is to be recommended both to archaeologists and to academics in related disciplines.