It Runs in the Family: Understanding More About Your Ancestors

In the quest to uncover our family history, we turn to written records, the family album and even heirlooms. However, they can often be difficult to interpret and sometime pose more questions than they answer: "Why didn't my ancestors smile for the camera? Why did great-grandfather wear a beard while his sons were clean-shaven? Why is my great-grandmother holding flowers in this photograph?"

Drawing on evidence from social history, women's history, and the histories of photography, art and fashion, and using examples from the lowly as well as the famous, Ruth Symes explores many aspects of ordinary life in the past - from the state of the nation's teeth, to the legal and economic connotations of wearing a wedding ring and even the business of keeping a dog.

This fascinating book aims to help family historians get to know their elusive ancestors by deciphering the wealth of personal and historical clues contained in photographs, documents and artefacts.

Contents:
Introduction
1. Caught by the Lens - Eyes
2. Down in the Mouth - Teeth
3. Their Crowning Glory - Hair
4. By the Hairs on his Chin - Beards
5. Marks of Distinction - Distinguishing Features
6. Inked - Tattoos
7. Head and Shoulders Above the Rest - Stature
8. Pinning them Down - Brooches
9. All Fastened Up - Buttons
10. Just the Thing - Rings
11. Links to the Past - Cufflinks
12. A Waft of History - Perfume
13. Floral Tributes - Flowers
14. Like a Member of the Family - Dogs
Index