Play Audiobook Sample
Saxons, Vikings, and Celts: The Genetic Roots of Britain and Ireland Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.03) - 419 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
WASPs finally get their due in this stimulating history by one of the world's leading geneticists.
Saxons, Vikings, and Celts is the most illuminating book yet to be written about the genetic history of Britain and Ireland. Through a systematic, ten-year DNA survey of more than 10,000 volunteers, Bryan Sykes has traced the true genetic makeup of British Islanders and their descendants. This historical travelogue and genetic tour of the fabled isles, which includes accounts of the Roman invasions and Norman conquests, takes readers from the Pontnewydd cave in North Wales, where a 300,000-year-old tooth was discovered, to the resting place of "The Red Lady" of Paviland, whose anatomically modern body was dyed with ochre by her grieving relatives nearly 29,000 years ago. A perfect work for anyone interested in the genealogy of England, Scotland, or Ireland, Saxons, Vikings, and Celts features a chapter specifically addressing the genetic makeup of those people in the United States who have descended from the British Isles.
Download and start listening now!
"This is intended for a general public, not for the specialist. Just about everything the British reader needs to know about the genetic and archeological evidence about the origin of the British peoples. It's very clear, well organized, I liked it a lot. The only thing about this sort of book is that two weeks later I hardly remember a date, a region, a fact --- so one really ought to have this book on a bookshelf or coffee table and have the whole family read it and discuss it. And it probably ought to be re-read once a year."
— Cheztoche (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“Bryan Sykes’ systematic ten-year DNA survey of more than 10,000 people yielded the most comprehensive picture ever made of Great Britain and Ireland’s genetic makeup…This fascinating study even includes a chapter about the genetic background of Americans who have descended from British and Irish ancestors. Old history seen in a new light.”
— Barnes & Noble, editorial review -
“Sykes writes in an easy style suitable for popular science material and does make a good case for genetics taking its place alongside archaeology and history as a tool for understanding the past. His discussion of the ups and downs of doing field research provides an interesting look at how a scientist conducts research.”
— Library Journal
Saxons, Vikings, and Celts Listener Reviews
-
" Excellent compendium of new research into where these peoples came from, and where they went. "
— Nicole, 2/20/2014 -
" I have not completed this book, but I like it. "
— Yvor, 1/18/2014 -
" This is a great book for those interested in genealogical research in regards to DNA. Easy read, it flows. "
— Brian, 12/22/2013 -
" A facinating study, if only slightly confusing! "
— Samantha, 12/4/2013 -
" Good reference book for genealogists in searching for background. Lots of DNA interpretations, but interesting to find out the clans of our forefathers and mothers. "
— Sue, 11/30/2013 -
" I listen to the audio version of the book. The content was interesting but the author came across as condescending towards those with different opinions. "
— Cheryl, 11/25/2013 -
" It was fascinating to learn how geneticists track movements of people through mitrocondrial DNA and the DNA of the Y chromosome. The book does drag a bit in the history chapters, but the chapters on how Dr Sykes did is research and what his findings were were very interesting. "
— Miriam, 10/1/2013 -
" Very interesting conclusions based on years of research. If you are British, Irish or Welsh - you may not want to know the answers! "
— Margie, 9/2/2013 -
" The authors' contention is that, genetically, there really isn't much deep difference between the various inhabitants of Britain. This book also introduced me to the DNA project. A light read which occasionally takes on flights of fancy when it might do better to stick to the facts. "
— Laura, 8/29/2013 -
" Ironically, the best parts of this book are the historical sections, not the confusing and incomplete sections on "The Genetic Roots of Britain and Ireland" (subtitle). The book needs more concise, clear scientific explanations and less personal story telling. "
— Clifton, 2/25/2013 -
" Fascinating story of the origins of the DNA of the British Islands. Unfortunately for me, it did not clarify mine or my father's DNA results. "
— Jimmie, 12/11/2012 -
" "Oral myths are closer to the genetic conclusions than the often ambiguous scientific evidence of archaeology." "
— Terry, 11/14/2012 -
" Most Britians & Irish are descended from pre-Roman people who spoke a celtic language. The celtic culture was mainly derived from learning rather than migration; the genes are too old for that. "
— Converse, 10/25/2012 -
" Definitely worth reading if one is interested in the geneaology aspect of British/Irish history. Some areas get a little technical but are not overly difficult to undestand, and Sykes does not require the reader to have studied genetics to be able to read the book. Glad I read it. "
— Lauren, 10/14/2012 -
" Terrific explanation of the DNA issue, as it relates to individual profiles and to the genetic history of Britain. Sykes explodes some long-held historical concepts, and supports others, based on the results of genetic testing in the UK and Ireland. Great book for historians and genealogists! "
— Jeremiah, 6/4/2012 -
" I was disappointed in the amount of mythology and legends that were in this book, and the lack of more concrete science and history. "
— Elaine, 3/30/2011
About Bryan Sykes
Bryan Sykes is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Seven Daughters of Eve and a former professor of human genetics at Oxford University. His company, Oxford Ancestors, is a genealogical DNA testing firm. He has been involved in a number of high-profile cases involving ancient DNA, most notably that of Ötzi the Iceman and Cheddar Man, two well preserved natural mummies. Sykes’ other books include Adam’s Curse: A Future Without Men, Blood of the Isles: Exploring the Genetic Roots of Our Tribal History, and The Human Inheritance: Genes, Language, and Evolution.
About Dick Hill
Dick Hill, named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, is one of the most awarded narrators in the business, having earned several Audie Awards and thirty-four AudioFile Earphones Awards. In addition to narrating, he has both acted in and written for the theater.