Title: Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies
Author: Debbie Parker Wayne
Format: Paperback
Published: 2019
My Rating: 
The following review first appeared in the Federation of Genealogical Societies FORUM magazine (Fall 2019); reprinted with permission.
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Advanced Genetic Genealogy is aimed genealogists with intermediate-level knowledge of genetic genealogy. The goal is to help those who want to take their use of DNA for genealogy to the next level. This book is also great for those with an advanced knowledge who want to learn more or see how the experts handle various situations and use particular methods.
The book contains three parts: “Methods, Tools, and Techniques,” “DNA and the Genealogical Proof Standard,” and “Ethics, Emotions, and the Future.” Each of the 14 chapters is written by an expert in the field, including editor Debbie Parker Wayne, Jim Bartlett, Blaine T. Bettinger, Karen Stanbury, Patricia Lee Hobbs, and Judy G. Russell, to name a few.
Some chapters are presented as case studies to illustrate methods and techniques, while some are demonstrative or informational. Want to learn about visual phasing? There’s a chapter for that. Looking for help on how to apply the Genealogical Proof Standard to DNA cases? There’s a chapter for that. In addition to these, there are chapters covering a variety a topics, including Y-DNA, X-DNA, triangulation, unknown and misattributed parentage cases, ethics, using both autosomal DNA and Y-DNA to find answers, and correlating traditional documentary research with DNA findings. Others are highlighted later in this review. Noticeably missing is a chapter on mitochondrial DNA, although there are a few brief mentions in other chapters.
Several visuals, including tables, charts, and illustrations are provided, usually in color, that help the reader understand the data presented. Even more helpful, readers can use these visuals to generate ideas for presenting their own data.
And speaking of presenting data, readers won’t want to miss Thomas W. Jones’s chapter “Writing About, Documenting, and Publishing DNA Test Results.” Jones discusses the many considerations one must take into account when presenting their DNA findings, along with strategies for writing clearly about DNA findings.
Another not-to-miss chapter is “The Challenge of Endogamy and Pedigree Collapse” by Kimberly T. Powell. It’s important for genealogists to be aware of these two situations, even if they don’t believe either circumstance applies to their particular families. Additionally, even though the chapter has a specific angle, Powell provides many great tips that can be applied to any genetic genealogy case and even genealogy research in general.
Want to know the science behind how genetic matching occurs? Then check out Ann Turner’s chapter “Would You Like Your Data Raw of Cooked?” It’s a little on the technical side, but a fascinating read nonetheless.
DNA testing can lead to unexpected discoveries, so be sure to read Michael Lacopo’s chapter “Uncovering Family Secrets: The Human Side of DNA Testing.” This chapter focuses on the emotional side of genetic genealogy, and is especially useful for those dealing with unknown or misattributed parentage situations.
The final chapter of the book by Debbie Kennett looks to the future of genetic genealogy. Some advances could be coming soon, while others may not be seen in our lifetime; but know that geneticists are working hard behind the scenes to unlock all the potential DNA testing has to offer.
Overall, this book provides guidance on a variety of genetic genealogy topics. This is a must-have for genealogists with either an intermediate- or advanced-level knowledge of genetic genealogy. Much can be learned from the case studies and techniques presented in this book.
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