Customer Reviews

Family History in the Genes: Trace your DNA and grow your family tree

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Chris Pommery wrote the very successful DNA and Family History: How Genetic Testing Can Advance Your Genealogical Research in 2004. Used copies sell for up to $100, and it is still a very useful guide.

This book is a major revision and update of DNA and Family History as the changed title reflects. Like its predecessor, it provides the very latest advice on a fast-moving subject, in compact format and at an affordable price. The glossary of terms in this confusing field is particularly good.

Reviews of Pomery's earlier book were highly complimentary and fact filled, and are well worth reading.

Pomery's new volume will help you write your own family histories using "best practices". He also maintains a fact filled website devoted to the book and issues an email newsletter that will keep you up on the field. Google DNAandfamilyhistory .

Robert C. Ross 2008

Rather short (219 rather small pages before glossary, index, etc.) and useful for my purposes, but it could have been much shorter and just as useful. Pomery's central message is that Y-chromosome tests can be useful for genealogical research because the genetic transmission of the Y-chromosome from father to son so precisely parallels the inheritance of surnames, which are documented by so many conventional genealogical records (e.g., census, birth or baptism records, marriage registers). He argues (convincingly) that other available DNA tests -- mitochondrial DNA tests and "genetic heritage" tests -- are unlikely to lead you to any long-lost relatives.

A good book for those just starting or thinking about starting a Genealogy DNA project. Lots of examples, glossary of terms, list of useful websites, other books and readings and fully indexed. This is Chris Pomery's 2nd book covering DNA and genealogy.

This book is better than the first one by Chris.
It is more up to date and seems a little easier
to read. I would make Family History in the Genes
a recommended reading for those interested in DNA
as part of their genealogy research.