The 21 papers and 3 commentaries of this book constitute the best current discussion of the influence of diffusionist ideas in American archaeological circles. Section I deals with the theoretical, historical and methodological questions, Section II with specific problems of transoceanic cultural contacts and Section III with transoceanic plant dispersion. For the historian the first section will prove more interesting; but from the point of view of the controversies over diffusion vs. independent invention, all sections are of equal value and each paper is an important contribution to the symposium.
Though there obviously was an effort to maintain a balance between partisans of diffusion and those who are not partisans, the partisans show a greater enthusiasm and tend to argue more effectively. The net impression from this book is that the diffusionists are carrying the field. This may be the case, or it may be simply a reflection of the composition of the symposium.
