Recommended Books and Videos

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..."

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The Great Human Diasporas: The History of Diversity and Evolutions
by Luigi Lucca Cavalli-Sforza
"An excellent introduction to the complexities of human genetic diversity."
Nature

The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey
(Hard Cover) by Spencer Wells

"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."

The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey
(Paperback) by Spencer Wells

"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
by Colleen Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. and Andrew Yeiser

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.

Forensic Genealogy
by Colleen Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.

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.

Trace Your Roots with DNA : Using Genetic Tests to Explore Your Family Tree
by Megan Smolenyak, Ann Turner

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.

Unlocking Your Genetic History : A Step-by-Step Guide to Discovering Your Family's Medical and Genetic Heritage
by Thomas H. Shawker

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.

Mapping Human History : Genes, Race, and Our Common Origins
by Steve Olson

"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

Genes, Peoples and Languages
by Luigi Lucca Cavalli-Sforza

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.

The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA
by James D. Watson

A case history of the events leading up to the discovery of the structure of DNA, the double helix.

Phylogenetic Trees Made Easy: A How-To Manual, Second Edition
by Barry G. Hall

...the book also serves students who may be familiar with phylogenetic theory but are unfamiliar with the tools used to apply the theory.

Principles of Population Genetics
by Daniel L. Hartl

This is a very comprehensive textbook on quantitative genetics/population genetics for readers with some background in genetics and population biology.

DNA and Tradition: The Genetic Link to the Ancient Hebrews
by Yaakov Kleiman

"... 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.

Genetic Genealogy DNA Testing Dictionary
by Charles Kerchner, Jr.

"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.

DNA for Family Historians
by Alan Savin

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.