Journal of European Archaeology 12 (1-3)

Childe's time as a student in Oxford has received little critical attention, partly because of an apparent lack of evidence. His reasons for going to Oxford are explored, and attention is drawn to two factors: the role of one of his tutors in Sydney, W.J. Woodhouse; and the state of prehistoric European studies in England at the time, dominated by Oxford and the figures of Arthur Evans and John Myres. Childe's study visit to Greece in 1915 is discussed and it is suggested that he had already embarked on his major research project before it was interrupted by the unexpected duration of the First World War. He left Oxford in 1917 to return to Australia, and though he may have feared con- scription, the impossibility of pursuing his archaeological research was also a critical factor. In 1921 Childe returned to England and soon resumed the project he had started and suspended.

The context of Childe's decade as Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Professor of Prehistoric European Archaeology in the University of London is described. Particular attention is given to the circumstances leading to his appointment; his participation in a conference on 'The Future of Archaeology' held at the Institute in 1943; his inaugural lecture, 'Archaeology as a Social Science', delivered in 1946; his and Frederick Zeuner's involvement in the beginnings of radiocarbon dating; and his contrasted contributions as administrator, excavator, and teacher during his 10 years at the Institute.

Explores how Gordon Childe moved from an acceptance of the principles of Marxism during his student years and his subsequent career in Australia to a gradual understanding of how these principles could illuminate his interpretations of the evidence of Old World prehistory.

Compilation of Childe's writings, including political items and letters to periodicals omitted from earlier lists. PP-B