'This is the most significant report of a Middle Paleolithic site of this region to appear in many years and it raises the bar considerably in terms of the depth of analysis and quality of presentation. Not at all just a laundry list of material recovered from Jordanian site of Tor Faraj, it is instead a tightly integrated collection of studies, ranging from site formation to behavioral interpretation, that builds on the best of current archaeological method and theory in the context of modern human origins. While an invaluable resource for all Middle Paleolithic scholars, it also serves as a model for the entire archaeological community of what modern research design, excavation, analysis, and reporting can be.' Professor Harold L. Dibble, Professor in Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania Museum, USA

'D.O. Henry is undoubtedly one of the most prominent archaeologists currently working in the Near East. In his new book Henry not only reports on his excavations of a desert rockshelter in Jordan, but also skillfully places the scientific results in their proper evolutionary context. This volume is a major addition to the archaeological record of the Neanderthals of western Asia, as well as our knowledge of cave sites in arid areas, which have never been explored prior to Henry's project.' Professor Ofer Bar-Yosef, Peabody Museum, Harvard University, USA

'...a major contribution to our understanding of 'the' transition in this critical crossroads region of the world....and excellent book.' -Journal of Anthropological Research

'This book presents a coherent and convincing case for the demonstration of modern human behavior in a Middle Paleolithic rockshelter. The volume is well-illustrated with black and white line art and photos, and the chapters are data-rich....I conclude by wholeheartedly endorsing this book for all graduate students and professional anthropologists interested in the archaeology of modern human origins.' -Geoarchaeology, March 2005

'...a welcome addition to the literature on Middle Paleolithic sites outside the traditional core area of prehistoric research...Scholars interested in Levantine prehistory certainly should consult this book not only for its results, but also as a guide for implementing new analytical and methodological procedures in middle Paleolithic research.' -PaleoAnthropology, June 2005

'[T]his is a well-written, well-presented publication of a highly significant research project. It should be obligatory reading to anyone involved in studies of the middle Paleolithic, the transition to the Upper Paleolithic, and the origins of "modern" human behavior.' João Zilhão, Journal of Field Archaeology, Vol. 31, 2006