Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies

I've been sworn to secrecy for the last two years but I am now pleased to announce the publication of a new book Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies, edited by Debbie Parker Wayne. I contributed a chapter on "The promise and limitations of genetic genealogy" where I had great fun speculating about what the future holds for genetic genealogy. There are another thirteen chapters contributed by many well known names in the genealogy world. I've not yet seen the book or had the chance to review any of the chapters so I'm very much looking forward to reading it when my copy arrives.

Debbie Parker Wayne has worked really hard behind the scenes to bring this much-needed book to fruition and I am very grateful for her patience and encouragement.

The book is currently on sale on Amazon. On the US site the book is showing as being available for shipping within the next one to two days. On the UK site delivery is expected within the next one to two months. A Kindle version will be available in May 2019. For US readers who are going to the National Genealogical Society conference in May you will be able to buy a copy from Books and Things who will be exhibiting at the conference. For details see here.

Here is the description of the book from Amazon:

Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies helps intermediate researchers move up to the next level and advanced researchers apply the new DNA standards and write about DNA. This new book offers an in-home course in advanced genetic genealogy. Case studies demonstrate analyzing the DNA test results, correlating with documentary evidence, and writing about the findings, all incorporating the updated standards for using DNA. Full-color illustrations help the genealogist incorporate these techniques into personal or client research projects. Each of the fourteen chapters was written by a professional genealogist with DNA experience. 

Eight chapters study real families (some using anonymized identities), including methods, tools, and techniques. Jim Bartlett covers how to triangulate a genome (mapping DNA segments to ancestors). Blaine T. Bettinger demonstrates the methodology for visual phasing (mapping DNA segments to the grandparents who passed down the segment to descendants, even when the grandparents cannot be tested). Kathryn J. Johnston shows how to use X-DNA to identify and confirm ancestral lines. James M. Owston describes findings of the Owston Y-DNA project. Melissa A. Johnson covers adoption and misattributed parentage research. Kimberly T. Powell provides guidance when researching families with endogamy and pedigree collapse. Debbie Parker Wayne combines atDNA and Y-DNA in a Parker family study. Ann Turner describes the raw DNA data and lab processes. 

Three middle chapters cover genealogy standards as they relate to DNA and documentary evidence. Karen Stanbary applies the Genealogical Proof Standard to genetic genealogy in a hypothetical unknown parentage case illustrating start-to-finish analysis. Patricia Lee Hobbs uses atDNA to identify an unknown ancestor and that ancestor's maiden name, moving back and forth between documentary and DNA evidence. Thomas W. Jones describes best practices for genealogical writing and publishing when incorporating DNA evidence. 

Three concluding chapters deal with ethics, emotions, and the future. Judy G. Russell covers ethical considerations. Michael D. Lacopo describes the effect on relationships when family secrets are uncovered, surfacing issues for all concerned. Debbie Kennett covers the current limitations and future promise of using DNA for genealogy. An extensive glossary, list of recommended resources, and index are included.

Disclosure
If you click on the Amazon UK links in this blog it is vaguely possible that at some point in the distant future I might receive a microscopic payment from Amazon as part of their affiliate scheme to help support my writing. Using the affiliate links makes no difference to the prices you pay.