"I find the Feder textbook to be the most manageable and readable for an introductory archaeology and world prehistory text on the market. I have tried other texts in the past but think this is by far the best on the market. It is structured in a way that I teach -- beginning with hominin evolution, moving through AMH migrations around the world, and ending with the rise of complexity. … I will adopt this text regardless [of any changes that are made]. This is a readable, scientifically-oriented coverage of world prehistory from the deepest origins of hominin evolution to the present day. Feder does an excellent job bringing archaeology and deep history to life for students. Thanks for a great textbook and I will keep using this one every year.""I like the global scope of Feder -- it provides a good overview of all the major topics I address in my class -- and the tone/writing style. It is written in a very accessible manner and in a way that will engage students. The use of personal stories makes it interesting. The connection with current issues and understandings of why knowing about archaeology is important. The images are great! I particularly liked the additional chronology of complex societies, the map, and the hominin species glossary at the end, as well as the images at the beginning of each chapter. The author references a diversity of authors and researchers, many of whom are from a variety of race, ethnicity, nationality, and gender. I hadn't seen this text before, and I like it a lot. The author does an excellent job of presenting the global case studies in a way that is engaging to the reader and is an appropriate reading level for an introductory course.""I changed to The Past in Perspective as part of an initiative to streamline and simplify the course. I began this transition before the COVID-19 pandemic. I was so glad I did, too, because teaching online further highlighted how a simpler class design is helpful to our students. I like how Feder's book is clearly organized, has useful tables and images, and highlights key terms. My students and I also appreciate the clear summaries for each chapter. … In general, the Feder text shines in terms of tone and organization. I would suggest a few tweaks in terms of coverage and updated archaeological details within the chapters.""This is a comprehensive, accurate overview of world prehistory written in an entertaining, conversational style. Feder's experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, and humor shine throughout. As always, he explains epistemology and welcomes students to the science of archaeology. I have used "Past in Perspective" in previous courses and its organization maps onto my course structure very well. I would like to see a concise, lower cost version that's more digestible in 10-week courses. I am happy with my current combination of brief introduction to methods (Peregrine) and "what does it all mean" book (Kelly). I would consider changing if Feder text was concise and equally affordable. … This is an excellent go-to comprehensive overview of world prehistory. Feder is an outstanding author. It's one of the best there is and I personally prefer using Oxford texts for their mission and affordability. I'd love to evaluate a concise version of Feder's text one day. Thank you!""...solid and affordable book for a world prehistory course. I already use it and look forward to a new and significantly updated edition."