The Encyclopedia of Prehistory, with regionally organized entries on each major archaeological tradition, is a comprehensive overview of human history from two million years ago to the historic period. Prepared under the auspices and with the support of the Human Relations Area Files, and an internationally distinguished advisory board, the Encyclopedia is organized regionally with entries on each major archaeological tradition, written by noted experts in the field and edited by Peter N. Peregrine and Melvin Ember. The volumes follow a standard format and employ comparable units of description and analysis, making them easy to use and compare.

-Volume 1 focuses on Africa.
-Volume 2 focuses on Arctic and Sub Arctic.
-Volume 3 focuses on East Asia and Oceania.
-Volume 4 focuses on Europe.
-Volume 5 focuses on Middle America.
-Volume 6 focuses on North America.
-Volume 7 focuses on South America.
-Volume 8 focuses on South & Southwest Asia.
-Volume 9 is the index volume.