Prolegomena to the study of the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Britain and Ireland

The study of the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Britain and Ireland is itself in a state of transition. Theoretical and comparative studies have opened up many possibilities to consider, from agricultural colonisation to indigenous adaptation. The available evidence is such that there is little agreement at present on the processes involved, or even on their chronology. An early transition may involve colonisation, a late one some form of acculturation.