The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy

The RootsTech 2021 conference held online earlier this year had a section of presentations on the use of DNA for family history research. A book that was frequently mentioned was The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by Blaine T Bettinger.

This is a guide for those who are considering the benefits of using DNA to assist their research as well as those who have already done tests but need to know how results can be effectively used. The main sections of the book look at things you should be aware of including misconceptions and ethics when using DNA for genealogy research. Section two looks at the different types of tests available and how they might assist research while the third section examines how to analyse and apply test results. The main companies providing DNA testing referred to in the book are 23andMe, AncestryDNA and Family Tree DNA. The author reminds the reader that genetic genealogy is constantly evolving and to expect changes in how the data can be used to aid research. There is a list of material for further reading, a collection of research forms and an index. This book was published in 2016.