"This thoughtful and carefully researched book, bolstered by many archival sources and oral histories, is an important reflection on the relatively young discipline of historical archaeology. Through the narrative of Nauvoo, Pykles teaches us much about the materials and materiality of the recent past and how identities take shape through stories we tell about that past, our ancestors, and our profession."—Shannon A. Novak, Journal of Anthropological Research
"Pykles provides an even-handed and fascinating glimpse into the use of historic preservation and archaeology as both a restoration and a proselytizing tool."—Chris Merritt, Montana, The Magazine of Western History
"Readers interested in the development of historical archaeology in the United States, in Mormon history, or in religious groups' struggles to control public perceptions of their past will find this book rewarding."—Stephen C. Taysom, Indiana Magazine of History
"Researchers interested in archaeological activities at Nauvoo and their contribution to the development of historical archaeology will find that Pykles has an excellent command of the documentary record supporting his analysis."—Carl A. Merry, Plains Anthropologist
"Historians and historical archaeologists alike will find Pykle's trailblazing work worthwhile."—Glen M. Leonard, Journal of Mormon History
"Excavating Nauvoo is an excellent read for those interested in the study of archaeology as whole, and those interested in the field of historic archaeology."—Matt Donovan, Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society
