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

"Trace Your Roots with DNA" is a classic written when genetic genealogy was just taking off. It is really good at explaining the basics of Y-DNA and MtDNA and what those tests can tell people about their genealogy.

As the book was written in 2005, the sections on running projects and finding prospects are based on the reality at the time. The industry and sharing around genealogy and DNA have advanced in the nearly ten years since the book was written. In 2005 testing autosomal DNA was just a possibility for the future but now it is a reality.

It is good to have this classic on my shelf as a reference and a reminder of the starting point of genetic testing for genealogy. Now it is time to look for more up-to-date books on the subject.

This book is unfortunately outdated; it discusses primarily Y-DNA and mt-DNA. Not autosomal DNA, which is the most popular form of testing now. Some of the information is still useful, though; e.g., a section on how to persuade people in your family to test, a section on running a surname project, etc.

This book is a genealogical text and not light reading. It is also an incredibly useful and organised book on what is a rather complex subject.

The book deals with the concept that all women can be traced back to seven theoretical women - The Seven Daughters of Eve - who all lived in different places in the world, at different times. There are details on the setting up and contributing to a DNA project and a rather useful set of appendices dealing with resources and DNA testing companies.

For a 2004 book this was very interesting to read 11 years later. The many web links are still valid. I especially liked the end of the book where much discussion is about the future. We have already met or exceeded some of the predictions.

Using genetic tests to explore your family tree

R/Genetic genealogy/DNA - Genealogy - Handbooks, manuals, etc.