ELLEN WHITE, Layer by Layer: A Primer on Biblical Archaeology (Winona, MN: Anselm Academic, 2019, paper $19.95) 120pp. 2 figs., 17 halftone, 4 maps, 2 tables, Indexed. ISBN: 978-1-59982-959-3.

Noting that “biblical archaeology” is neither a subdiscipline of archaeology nor an independent discipline in its own right but a field of study that occupies the intersection between the two disciplines of archaeology and biblical studies, this introductory textbook on biblical archaeology aims to be accessible to beginning students of both disciplines. After a three-page preface, it first addresses common “myths” surrounding biblical archaeology and separates fact from fiction. Next it defines biblical archaeology in the 21^st century, describes the history of the term, and explores why this phrase became controversial and why it remains so for some scholars. Then it introduces the basic methods of both archaeology and biblical studies, respectively. Finally, it explores the benefits of dialogue between these disciplines through an extended example that is still an open and evolving question in both fields: three different models for the origins of ancient Israel (the conquest model, the peaceful infiltration mode, and the peasant revolt or resettlement model). A seven-page glossary is included. White was previously senior editor at the Biblical Archaeology Society.