Synopses & Reviews
History has always mattered to Scots, and rarely more so than now at the outset of a new century, with a new census appearing in 2011 and after more than ten years of a new parliament. An almost limitless archive of our history lies hidden inside our bodies and we carry the ancient story of Scotland around with us. The mushrooming of genetic studies, of DNA analysis, is rewriting our history in spectacular fashion. In Scotland: A Genetic Journey, Alistair Moffat explores the history that is printed on our genes, and in a remarkable new approach, uncovers the detail of where we are from, who we are and in so doing color vividly a DNA map of Scotland.
Review
“[Moffat] is wonderfully able to communicate the epic elements of the story, which matters because thats precisely what mans survival has been.” —-Scotsman
Synopsis
An almost limitless archive of history is available through DNA analysis and this book examines how DNA can be used to trace ancestry. It uses fascinating, cutting-edge science to uncover the details of Scottish origins: where Scots are from and who they are. Engrossing and entertaining, this account furthers the understanding of a people's past and vividly colors a DNA map of Scotland.
About the Author
Alistair Moffat was born and bred in the Scottish Borders. A former Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Director of Programmes at Scottish Television, he now runs the burgeoning Borders Book Festival as well as a production company based near Selkirk. He has written six previous books that are published by Birlinn. James F. Wilson studied genetics in Edinburgh and Oxford and now works at the University of Edinburgh. He also specializes in Scottish genetic history.