Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland

Discuss how Walker uses archaeological findings to build character profiles of historical figures. How does this method compare and contrast with traditional character development in purely historical (i.e., archival) nonfiction?

How does the book handle the narratives of marginalized groups in colonial history? Does this imply any limitations of archaeology or forensic anthropology in reconstructing the histories of such groups?

Examine how the book portrays the influence of the natural environment on the health and lifestyle of the colonists. What role did environmental factors play in shaping the daily lives and survival of these individuals?

Explore the ethical considerations and challenges that arise in the excavation and study of human remains. How does the author address these issues throughout the book?

Analyze the portrayal of indentured servitude and slavery in the text. How does the author use archaeological findings to present the realities of these systems?

Discuss the challenges forensic anthropologists face when interpreting data from skeletal remains. Why does Walker address these challenges?

Consider the significance of the work’s title in light of its themes. What does it mean for something to be “written in bone”? What exactly is it that is “written”?

Analyze the balance between technical detail and accessibility in the book’s writing style. How does this balance reflect the book’s target audience?