This is the story of Mary Ross Ellingson, a twentieth-century archaeologist whose research was published by her dissertation advisor without acknowledgement. Although Ellingson specialized in a relatively arcane discipline, the challenges she faced as a female academic were (and still are) universal. Kudos to Alan Kaiser for bringing Ellingson’s story to light and righting to some degree the injustice. Written like a detective thriller and incorporating colorful quotes from Ellingson’s own letters, readers will find it difficult to put this book down.

Jodi Magness, Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kaiser presents an intimate portrait of prominent and aspiringpractitioners in the field of Classical Archaeology. This new edition expands not only the primary documentation behind Ellingson’s story but provides an update on the reception and impact of the first. An appendix on feminist 'waves' in archaeology further contextualizes the material and offers a brief introduction for those wishing to pursue the topic further.

Bradley A. Ault, associate professor and chair, Department of Classics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York

Archaeology has many open secrets- including a long history of abuses of power that have systematically marginalized people based on their identities and relative status in the hierarchy of academia and fieldwork. Alan Kaiser’s committed and detailed scholarship of a previously forgotten personal archive reveals the specifics of one such case from the early 20th century. The case of Mary Ross Ellingson and the appropriation of her work by a renowned, senior, male archaeologist is presented in a rich and engaging narrative that invites a range of audiences to explore how such injustices have persisted in the field for generations. The second edition provides an illuminating account of how these revelations were received among classical archaeologists. Along with some powerful calls for justice and change, many of the responses demonstrated that many people holding positions of power in the field have at best, a deep ambivalence towards plagiarism and misogyny. The telling of Mary Ross Ellington’s story is not a mere historical anecdote, and instead serves as an illustration of the work that still needs to be done to make archaeology an inclusive, multi-vocal field.

Jane Eva Baxter, associate professor and chair of anthropology, DePaul University

In Archaeology, Sexism, and Scandal, Kaiser excavates layers of evidence substantiating that a celebrated classical archaeologist published his student Mary Ross Ellingson's thesis as his own. Kaiser's first edition ignited curiosity and outrage over this injustice and led others with direct knowledge to share what they knew. This updated second edition artfully weaves this new information into Ellingson's story and situates her life in the context of the feminist movement and the sexism women archaeologists face. Scholars hope their research will make a difference in their field and beyond. Kaiser succeeds as he rights an egregious wrong, celebrates Ellingson's significant archaeological achievements, and offers hope for those, like Ellingson, facing systemic sexism and other injustices. This book is a must-read.

Deborah Ann Appler, Professor of Hebrew Bible, Moravian Theological Seminary