The first item on this list is Spencer Wells' video, which we highly recommend. In addition to the video, there are some books that Family Tree DNA recommends for genealogists of different levels. They are categorized according to "Beginner", "Intermediate" and "Advanced". Some items we deem to be interesting and appropriate for all levels, and therefore they are earmarked as "All Levels". Enjoy them!
The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey
(Video) by Spencer Wells
"The video, is among the best I have seen in the new field of 'population genetics'. It is both entertaining, and extremely informative. The program is detailed enough for those who want to understand the science, and yet simple enough for most people to follow. ... This is the best that TV has to offer..."
"In this surprisingly accessible book, British geneticist Wells sets out to answer long-standing anthropological questions of where humans came from, how we migrated and when we arrived in such places as Europe and North America."
Publisher's Weekly
Abraham's Children
Race, Identity, and the DNA of the Chosen People
by Jon Entine
Abraham's Children is a journey back in time and through history to reconnect with our ancestors.
Kirkus calls it "Engaging and informative reading for Jews and non-Jews alike," describing it as "an epic tale of 'The Chosen People'."
According to Library Journal, "[Jon Entine's] explorations take him from his own Jewish family members' cancer diagnoses to genetic labs and commercial the history of Israel and Zionism, and the split between social anthropology and biological anthropology."
Publisher's Weekly says Abraham's Children "presents fascinating evidence from DNA studies" on vexing questions of "religion, history, culture and sometimes politics."
The Association of Jewish Libraries calls Abraham's Children "a fascinating popular read. Highly recommended."
"In this surprisingly accessible book, British geneticist Wells sets out to answer long-standing anthropological questions of where humans came from, how we migrated and when we arrived in such places as Europe and North America."
Publisher's Weekly
DNA & Genealogy follows with the details on what DNA analysis is and how it can be used to reach beyond conventional documentation to find new family relationships. DNA & Genealogy has something for everyone. It includes many examples based on Family Tree DNA personal results and surname project pages.
A former Nasa scientist, Colleen is also an avid genealogist.
In her book, Colleen shows that you don't have to be a rocket scientist to get the most from your
genealogical materials. The section entitled “The DNA Detective” is very comprehensive and understandable, giving a beginner an excellent level of understanding. It comes with a CD.
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.
The book discusses the exciting new field of using genetic testing to link you to your ancestors and verify your genealogy. It helps readers understand their family’s medical and genetic history and the genetic revolution.
"Olson talked to specialists in genetics as he traveled, and much of the book concerns the stories of different peoples seeking genetic answers to the question of their ancestry."
Book News
It comprises five lectures that serve as a summation of the author's work over several decades, the goal of which has been nothing less than tracking the past hundred thousand years of human evolution.
This is a very comprehensive textbook on quantitative genetics/population genetics for readers with some background in genetics and population biology.
"... a remarkable example of the synthesis of a large body of
complex scientific work, formulated within the framework of scholarship
in Jewish history and Biblical tradition.” Professor Karl Skorecki , co-author of the "Cohen DNA" studies.
"Charles F. Kerchner, Jr., has published a new dictionary that is going to remain on my bookshelf, within arm's reach, for a long time. I am still in "learning mode" when it comes to DNA and genetics, and I suspect I'll be referring to this dictionary often as I become more and more immersed in the topic." Dick Eastman, Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter.
It is easy to read and offers an extremely understandable view of genetics for genealogy. We
suggest this primer for everyone interested in understanding the
impact of DNA as a genealogical tool.
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