Trace Your Roots with DNA: Use Your DNA to Complete Your Family Tree

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Binding: Paperback Dewey Decimal Number: 929.1072 EAN: 9781594860065 ISBN: 1594860068 Label: Rodale Books Manufacturer: Rodale Books Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 256 Publication Date: 2004-10-27 Publisher: Rodale Books Release Date: 2004-10-07 Studio: Rodale Books
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Editorial Reviews: Written by two of the country's top genealogists, this authoritative book is the first to explain how new and groundbreaking genetic testing can help you research your ancestry According to American Demographics, 113 million Americans have begun to trace their roots, making genealogy the second most popular hobby in the country (after gardening). Enthusiasts clamor for new information from dozens of subscription-based websites, email newsletters, and magazines devoted to the subject. For these eager roots-seekers looking to take their searches to the next level, DNA testing is the answer. After a brief introduction to genealogy and genetics fundamentals, the authors explain the types of available testing, what kind of information the tests can provide, how to interpret the results, and how the tests work (it doesn't involve digging up your dead relatives). It's in expensive, easy to do, and the results are accurate: It's as simple as swabbing the inside of your cheek and popping a sample in the mail. Family lore has it that a branch of our family emigrated to Argentina and now I've found some people there with our name. Can testing tell us whether we're from the same family? My mother was adopted and doesn't know her ethnicity. Are there any tests available to help her learn about her heritage? I just discovered someone else with my highly unusual surname. How can we find out if we have a common ancestor? These are just a few of the types of genealogical scenarios readers can pursue. The authors reveal exactly what is possible-and what is not possible-with genetic testing. They include case studies of both famous historial mysteries and examples of ordinary folks whose exploration of genetic genealogy has enabled them to trace their roots.
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Gulp! I actually UNDERSTOOD heavy science! Comment: After slaving away at high school and college science classes I had completely lost any interest in the subject because I assumed it was too darn hard! But this book takes a HIGHLY complex subject, and with just a few backtracks on my part for clarity, takes, genetics, DNA, and the important differences between patriarchical/matrilineal and makes them meaningful and useful. Because I am working at establishing a tribal membership, the suggested sources and unique patterns to Native American DNA increased my confidence in applying. I am already in contact with a company they recommended for Native American tribal identification. Excellent and useful purchase. Customer Rating: Summary: TRACE YOUR ROOTS WITH DNA Comment: FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN GENEALOGY, THE BOOK BY MEGAN SMOLENYAK TITLED TRACE YOUR ROOTS WITH DNA IS MOST INFORMATIVE. IT IS WELL WRITTEN AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR EITHER THE BEGINNING OR PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGIST. Customer Rating: Summary: Megan Smolenyak "Trace Your Roots with DNA" - reviewed Comment: Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak - her real name - provides an excellent introduction of what DNA can and can not do in Genetic Genealogy. Anyone starting their "Roots" research effort is advised to buy this book. It will help you save money by allowing DNA to focus on your line and not someone elses. Read the book for more details! Customer Rating: Summary: This is a "Must Have" addition to your DNA library... Comment: As a DNA-surname research group administrator, I tend to buy every book, VHS, or DVD I can find regarding the use of DNA research in support of traditional genealogy. Of the 12-15 books I have purchased so far, Megan Smolenyak's touchstone reference work continues to be the one I reach for when I have a question myself. Easily read and understood, this book makes complex concepts readily accessible with clear illustrations, definitions, real-world examples, and authoritative references when needed. I am not naturally science-minded, but as a good researcher, I want to be able to use every tool in the box. This is my go-to book for that purpose. Buy as many DNA books and tapes as you want, but your DNA library will not be complete without this classic introduction to the concepts involved in genetic genealogy. I highly recommend it! CHT in Virginia Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent contribution in a new subject of growing importance Comment: Even a decade ago, "genetic genealogy" barely existed as an almost science-fictional idea. Now, it's one of the most debated topics in our field and thousands of family researchers are involved in projects to identify ancestors through DNA analysis. (I'm in two projects now, myself.) It's a rather complicated subject, though, and for those (like me) who barely scraped through high school biology, the more books for beginners, the better. Smolenyak is a well-known genealogist and lead researcher for the PBS Ancestors series and Turner has become one of the principal popularizers of genetic genealogy on the Internet. The important point is that both have been pursuing family research since the days of manual typewriters and paper library catalogs, and that's the perspective from which they approach the discussion. They explain very clearly why DNA analysis can tell you only who your ancestors aren't, not necessarily who they are, and the strategic differences between researching your father's and your mother's lineage. They lay out the options and limitations among uncovering ethnic origins (what about that Indian great-grandmother?), global origins (Eastern European? or Scandinavian?), "deep maternal" ancestry (the "daughters of Eve" thing), and even African tribal origins. How do you set up a family or surname research project, attract participants, ensure their trust, and analyze and publish the results? And what do all those numbers in the lab report mean? This is very much a practical book and I strongly recommend it, perhaps in conjunction with Thomas H. Shawker's _Unlocking Your Genetic Heritage_ (2004). More Reviews