Good books on DNA Inheritance?

[dtlroots]

I took an Ancestry (autosomal) DNA test a few years ago and have done quite a lot of work in identifying how I am related to my DNA matches. I would describe my understanding of DNA inheritance as middling, if patchy in areas.
I have read the various WIKI articles on DNA and DNA inheritance, but remain unclear on some areas of how it works.
I am particularly interested in a bit more detail on how recombination / meiosis works and the structure and size of DNA segments inherited from parents. One problem I have found with some articles explaining the science is that they go into great detail on these subjects in other lifeforms, whereas my interest is solely in DNA inheritance in humans.
Having searched on Amazon there are many books purporting to cover the subject for genealogists. As ever, reviews range from wholesome praise to total condemnation.
Can anyone who has read them recommend any of these books and tell me what their strengths are?

[phil57]

I have recommended here a number of times a book called Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA, edited by Graham S Holton. He is, or was, the Principal Tutor in Genealogical Studies at Strathclyde University. Various chapters and topics in the book are written by other experts in their particular fields, and the book starts by assuming no or very little knowledge of DNA, how it works and using it for genealogical research, but progresses to more complex topics and suggests additional resources where appropriate.

My own copy is now very well worn, albeit I can't profess more than a passing understanding of some of the subject matter, as I have not had need to make use of them.

But I would recommend it as a good grounding in everything DNA related, of use to family historians, and you can always progress to seeking other materials if you find you want to go further than the book's coverage.

https://books.google.nl/books?hl=en&lr=&id=DE8IEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT15&dq=graham+s+holton&ots=20J-AJbVAO&sig=EPQQ11SQBhknxBC-5Wn2hB4lPPQ#v=onepage&q=graham%20s%20holton&f=false

Sorry it's a link to a Dutch Google site, but it's where I am at the moment, hence what Google serves up when I search!

[dtlroots]

Hi Phil,

Thanks for the reply.

The book you mention is one of a shortlist of three which I am considering at the moment, so it is good to have your recommendation.

Thanks again.

Dave

[coombs]

In 2004 I was interested in DNA for ancestry and how the Y chromosome is passed from father to son, and so on, and the mtDNA is on the maternal line.

My Y DNA line on the paper trail is the Titshall's of Suffolk and Norfolk further back, and my mtDNA is Durham to London then back to Sussex.

[pughcd]

I think that the best genetic genealogy textbook is the 2nd Edition of Dr Blaine T. Bettinger's "The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy", 2019. The diagrams and chapter layout is excellent. You could also check out Blaine Bettinger's YouTube channel. There are other online experts such as Debbie Kennett and Dr Maurice Gleeson.

pughcd

[Biggles50]

I think that the best genetic genealogy textbook is the 2nd Edition of Dr Blaine T. Bettinger's "The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy", 2019. The diagrams and chapter layout is excellent. You could also check out Blaine Bettinger's YouTube channel. There are other online experts such as Debbie Kennett and Dr Maurice Gleeson.

pughcd

I would echo the above, Blaine’s book is my go to.

Phil57’s suggestion is also great but it can be hard going.

Both books make a great pairing to learn more about DNA.

[dtlroots]

Thanks to you all for your recommendations.
I was considering both of the books mentioned and will proceed with added confidence.
The other book I found on Amazon was 'Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA: A Guide for Family Historians' by (Graham S. Holton).
Do any of you have a view on this?

[pughcd]

Thanks to you all for your recommendations.
I was considering both of the books mentioned and will proceed with added confidence.
The other book I found on Amazon was 'Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA: A Guide for Family Historians' by (Graham S. Holton).
Do any of you have a view on this?

This was the the book recommended by phil57. I have used it but much prefer the Blaine Bettinger book. The book edited by G. Holton is a collection of chapters written by various DNA experts. Mr Graham Holton BA is Principal Tutor & teaching fellow at the Centre for Lifelong Learning, Strathclyde University. Dr Blaine Bettinger has a PhD in Biochemistry specialising in Genetics. He writes the Genetic Genealogist blog. Both books are great resources.

pughcd

[dtlroots]

Oops - sorry pughcd - I copied and pasted the wrong one!

The 3rd book I am asking about is
'Research Like a Pro with DNA: A genealogist’s guide to finding and confirming ancestors with DNA evidence.'    (Diana Elder)

Any feedback on this one?