Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA: A Guide for Family Historians

by Graham S. Holton, John Cleary (Contribution by), Michelle Leonard (Contribution by), Iain McDonald (Contribution by), Alasdair F. Macdonald (Contribution by)

Overview

An easy-to-use, straightforward guide for British family historians looking to trace their ancestry using DNA testing.
 
DNA research is one of the most rapidly advancing areas in modern science, and the practical use of DNA testing in genealogy is one of its most exciting applications. Yet there is no recent British publication in this field. That is why this accessible, wide-ranging introduction is so valuable. It offers a clear, practical way into the subject, explaining the scientific discoveries and techniques and illustrating with case studies how it can be used by genealogists to gain an insight into their ancestry.
 
The subject is complex and perhaps difficult for traditional genealogists to understand but, with the aid of this book, novices who are keen to take advantage of it will be able to interpret test results and use them to help answer genealogical questions which cannot be answered by documentary evidence alone. It will also appeal to those with some experience in the field because it places the practical application of genetic genealogy within a wider context, highlighting its role as a genealogical tool and suggesting how it can be made more effective.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526733108
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	11/12/2020
Series:	Tracing Your Ancestors
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	960,366
File size:	17 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Graham S. Holton is principal tutor in the University of Strathclyde’s Postgraduate Programme in Genealogical Studies, co-author of Discover Your Scottish Ancestry: Internet and Traditional Resources and leader of the Battle of Bannockburn and Declaration of Arbroath Family History Projects. John Cleary is lecturer at Heriot-Watt University with specialist interest in Y-DNA and ancient DNA. Michelle Leonard is a professional genealogist and DNA detective specializing in unknown ancestor mysteries. Alasdair F. Macdonald is a lead tutor in the University of Strathclyde’s Postgraduate Programme. Iain McDonald is an astrophysicist at the University of Manchester and specialist in the advanced analysis of Y-DNA for genealogy.

Table of Contents

Introduction Graham S. Holton vii

Contributors xii

Chapter 1 Why use DNA testing for genealogy? Michelle Leonard Alasdair F. Macdonald Graham S. Holton 1

Chapter 2 The ethical and legal aspects of genetic genealogy John Chary 13

Chapter 3 Understanding the principles of DNA testing for genealogy Michelle Leonard 32

Chapter 4 atDNA tests Michelle Leonard 60

Chapter 5 Y-DNA tests Alasdair F. Macdonald John Cleary 104

Chapter 6 mtDNA tests Alasdair F. Macdonald 147

Chapter 7 Choosing between testing companies Alasdair F. Macdonald 157

Chapter 8 Projects John Cleary Iain McDonald 163

Chapter 9 An integrated approach to DNA testing for genealogy John Cleary Iain McDonald Graham S. Holton 191

Chapter 10 Ancient DNA John Cleary 205

Chapter 11 What does the future hold? Iain McDonald Michelle Leonard 224

Glossary 234

Further Reading 242

Index 249

Editorial Reviews

"The first of its kind, "Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA: A Guide for Family Historians" is as thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation as it is invaluable as a complete and comprehensive course of instruction in the role DNA can play for family historians and genealogists."

Midwest Book Review