It Runs in the Family: Understanding More About Your Ancestors

by Ruth A Symes

Overview

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 sometimes 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 volume 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780752497020
Publisher:	The History Press
Publication date:	12/02/2013
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Ruth A. Symes spent her career in academia and editing. Now a freelance writer and historian, she writes for various genealogical magazines, including Discover My Past England, Discover My Past Scotland, Family Tree Magazine, and Who Do You Think You Are? She has previously published four books, including From Corncrake to Combine, which she edited, and Stories from Your Family Tree.

Table of Contents

Introduction An Intimate Guide to Our Ancestors and Their Times 7

1 Caught by the Lens Eyes 11

2 Down in the Mouth Teeth 23

3 Their Growning Glory Hair 34

4 By the Hairs on his Chin Beards 44

5 Marks of Distinction Distinguishing Features 54

6 Inked Tattoos 67

7 Head and Shoulders Above the Rest Stature 76

8 Pinning them Down Brooches 88

9 All Fastened Up Buttons 97

10 Just the Thing Rings 106

11 Links to the Past Cufflinks 116

12 A Waft of History Perfume 124

13 Floral Tributes Flowers 135

14 Like a Member of the Family Dogs 146

Index 157