I. Editorial

Welcome to BHA 21(2) the second in our new on-line format, and the last where we publish each number in hard copy at the same time as releasing the contents of each number on line. In future once contributions have been through the editorial and referee process they will be posted immediately, thereby gaining maximum exposure at the earliest moment. Twice a year I will collate our online contributions and release these as hard copy, with editorial and cover image as I have done for the past decade. I hope that you will embrace this new direct form of publishing and be assured that our standards will remain as they are. I thank Susan Bridekirk and Wei Ming (La Trobe University) for their great work on the BHA project and also gratefully acknowledge the skills and assistance of Brian Hole from Ubiquity Press. I think that all would agree that the on-line presence of the BHA is absolutely first rate.

This last volume contains a long essay exploring the nature of archaeological expeditions occurring during the Soviet era in Russia. The article is one of the few examples we have of archaeologists considering the significance of this 'activity' within the cycle of archaeological knowledge production. This is followed by David Browman's investigation of spying by American archaeologists during the First World War. Of course we are all accustomed to the idea of the archaeologist as spy (Hogarth, Lawrence and Aurel Stein) being among the best known, but Browman adds a great deal more to our stock of information. Our usual sections related to book reviews and announcements concerning the activities of the HARN group conclude BHA 21(2).

I look forward to receiving more contributions in coming months – papers, book reviews and other announcements. The BHA is always very interested in reporting the work of its contributors and subscribers, and in providing a forum for publicizing research projects, symposia and conferences. Our new 'immediate publication' facility will greatly assist in getting messages into the system as quickly as possible.

Tim Murray FSA FAHA
Editor