Saxons, Vikings, and Celts: The Genetic Roots of Britain and Ireland

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Saxons, Vikings, and Celts: The Genetic Roots of Britain and Ireland

3.73 of 5 stars 3.73 · rating details · 412 ratings · 92 reviews

One of the world's leading geneticists, Bryan Sykes has helped thousands find their ancestry in the British Isles. Saxons, Vikings, and Celts, which resulted from a systematic ten-year DNA survey of more than 10,000 volunteers, traces the true genetic makeup of the British Isles and its descendants, taking readers from the Pontnewydd cave in North Wales to the resting plac...more

Hardcover, 306 pages

Published November 1st 2006 by W. W. Norton & Company

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Jun 18, 2008 William J. Shep rated it 4 of 5 stars

Fascinating study presented in layman's terms explaining the genetic history of the British Isles. Probably the most startling result of his work, and that of other geneticists as well, is that 'lost' peoples such as the Picts of Scotland or Celts generally in England did not vanish genetically even if they did culturally. They live on in all of us of British descent. Other points of interest include the apparent confirmation that legends of Celtic migration from the Middle East through Iberia t...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Cara M rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction

For a book that made much of its technical complexity, it was very simply written, and very clear in its explanations. What I found frustrating was that the author would present the history of the various regions separate from the results, and it was difficult to reconstruct exactly what import the results had on the large historical questions. But overall it was quite interesting, and a good review of the early history of the british isles.
What was most interesting for me is what he suggested...more

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Dec 13, 2010 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Even though this was not fiction, this was really a page-turner for me. Most of my heritage is English-Irish-Scottish, so I was incredibly intrigued to read about the studies that Bryan Sykes and his colleagues have been involved in regarding the genetic history of the British Isles. I've always had a keen interest in both my personal genealogy and in genetics in general, and this brought it all together for me, as well as placing it in an historical frame of reference. Based upon previous resea...more

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Jul 18, 2010 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: people who are interested in the history of the peoples of the British Isles

Several years ago, when I was in Scotland, I took a class on the Picts. They are a very elusive people surrounded by mythology and historians have had trouble pinning down realistic information about them, so there have been numerous myths about them propagated over the years. Serious historians of the Picts have fairly recently decided they were almost definitely a Celtic people who were related to more to the Celts of southern Britain rather than the Gaels (who are the primary ancestors of mod...more Several years ago, when I was in Scotland, I took a class on the Picts. They are a very elusive people surrounded by mythology and historians have had trouble pinning down realistic information about them, so there have been numerous myths about them propagated over the years. Serious historians of the Picts have fairly recently decided they were almost definitely a Celtic people who were related to more to the Celts of southern Britain rather than the Gaels (who are the primary ancestors of modern-day Scots, and came over from Ireland). Several years ago I realized it would probably be possible to do a genetic study to see if this theory could be supported more definitively. But obviously I did not have the capability to do this on my own. So I was hugely excited when I stumbled across this book in the bookstore (especially when I checked the index and saw multiple references to the Picts, and then even an entire chapter dedicated to them!). I was a teeny bit disappointed in the results relating to the Picts, but so be it.

The book is an unusual mix of archeology, history, science, and even methodology and a little bit of history of science. The first chapter starts off with an account of the author's experience successfully extracting DNA from the Cheddar tooth (a 12,000-year-old specimen found in Somerset, England) and then from Cheddar Man (Britain's oldest complete skeleton, dating to about 7000 BC). He then discusses the historical (archeological) context of these specimens in Britain. Chapter 2, Who Do We Think We Are?, discusses the origin myths held over history in Britain, including Arthurian lore and the Teutonic myth which fell by the wayside as it grew in Germany to morph into the Aryan movement. Chapter 4, The Skull Snatchers, is a brief history of the "science" of heredity practiced in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including a discussion of the practice of phrenology. Chapter 5, The Blood Bankers, includes an interesting explanation of blood types and a short history of blood transfusions.

The next two chapters help the reader understand the science of the research Sykes carried out. Chapter 6, The Silent Messengers, discusses aspects of DNA, including mutations, mitochondrial DNA, and chromosomes. He also introduces his original idea of the seven(+) matrilineal ancestors of modern Europeans (to whom he dedicated an entire book: The Seven Daughters of Eve The Science That Reveals Our Genetic Ancestry). Chapter 7, The Nature of the Evidence, talks about the collection of samples and statistical and other analysis methods.

Sykes goes on to tell the history of all of the major peoples (nations, mostly) who have lived in the British Isles (in the following chapters: 3. The Resurgent Celts, 8. Ireland, 10. Scotland, 11. The Picts, 13. Wales, 15. England, and 16. Saxons, Danes, Vikings and Normans). Then there is a specific discussion of the DNA of the four nations, with a chapter for each. The book concludes with a chapter tying everything together.

So, this book did have a lot of personal significance to me (in addition to my interest in the Picts, I focused on Irish and some British history while doing my history BA and also studied Scottish Gaelic), although it did not necessarily tell me much about my own heritage because I know few specifics. Clearly this book will be highly enjoyable to the many Americans obsessed with their Irish or Scottish heritage, as well as to other people with ties to or interest in the British Isles.(less)

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May 12, 2009 AngieA rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: anthropology

This excellent book by Bryan Sykes was a really great read about my own ancestors. I have always been interested in the history of Britain and Ireland and was always curious about the allure of the tiny little isles in the North Sea. Sykes documents the ancestry of the Isles by volunteer DNA samples through blood donors and booths at country fairs. Some of the people in these areas haven't moved in generations and many of the strains are surprisingly consistant. It was revealing to learn that so...more

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Apr 10, 2012 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

The second of Sykes's books that I've read, and another interesting foray into the genetic background of the British Isles. In Seven Daughters of Eve, Sykes concentrated on mitochondria. In this book, he explores more of the origins of the British Isle, from both male and female sources.
This book attempts to pick apart the mythology about the different 'tribes' that settled the isles.
Also, he challenges the assumptions that historians and others make about human exploration, settlement and mig...more The second of Sykes's books that I've read, and another interesting foray into the genetic background of the British Isles. In Seven Daughters of Eve, Sykes concentrated on mitochondria. In this book, he explores more of the origins of the British Isle, from both male and female sources.
This book attempts to pick apart the mythology about the different 'tribes' that settled the isles.
Also, he challenges the assumptions that historians and others make about human exploration, settlement and migration. For instance, just because there are pieces of brass jewelry adorned with spirals from Austria and Ireland does not mean that people from Austria brought jewelry art to Ireland. (I kept thinking about the 100th monkey during the book.)
He explores the myths of Arthur and various tribal conquests: much of what we've learned has been literary construction. (The myth of the Celt, as he puts it, is debunked: the Celtic ideal is very different from the Gaelic culture. Read to understand!) In fact, many of the 'tribes' turn out to be different versions of themselves, if you get what I mean by that. The Brits and the Scots and the Irish are all very, very interrelated.
I'm especially interested in the influence of Viking genes on the Isles (and his studies do prove that the Viking expansion was not all about plunder and rape: male and mitochondrial DNA from Viking sources is throughout the Isles in areas where Vikings settled).
The Scots and the Irish also seem to share many mutual ancestors.
One topic explored is the Genghis factor. The Genghis factor is named after our old friend the Khan. When the Mongols swarmed through central Asia, they killed the men and kept the vanquished women themselves. Since many of the Mongols were brothers, nephews, uncles and sons of Genghis himself, the male DNA of the conquerors pushed the native male DNA out of the gene pool.
This happened in the Isles, as well. I don't remember there being a particular number of patriarchs in Ireland, for instance, but there are really very few male lines that have made it down through history. Fighting, war and killing has made us much less rich in genetic material. Another thought that kept hitting me was, not only is war in itself such a burden on human survival, so many wars in the British Isles have been fought over differences that are only perceived differences. We only have a few different Ancient Parents, all of us!
I had to return the book to the library because it was on hold. I'd like to read much of this again, the information is so rich and thick. Not to mention that both of my grandmothers are from people born with British Isles blood (Scots and Irish) and my children are also Welsh and English.
If you have any ancestry from the Isles, you should read this book.

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Apr 19, 2013 Lwf rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have longed to know who I am and who my ancestors were since about age 13. I always thought I was mostly German with Irish and Scottish in the mix. I took a DNA test and was very surprised to get a further breakdown of my maternal line.

I started reading, "Seven Daughters of Eve" and saw this title referenced a few times so bought this book too. I am very happy with the depth of information in this book. Bryan Sykes has wriiten a very informative book, written in language that most can under...more

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Jun 30, 2010 Sallie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

I borrowed this from Larry's sil over Father's Day weekend, so I've begun it, so I can return it. Fascinating premise I must say.

I started thinking 4.5 star rating, but this book really is amazing, so I upped it to 5. A complicated subject - the DNA of the British Isles - written is so comprehensible a way that even I understood most of it - a good percentage at least. I am NOT a scientist, but Sykes writes so well, and warns you when he might need to be a bit more scientific in what he's writin...more

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May 17, 2013 Brandi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: british, history, non-fiction, science, own

Bryan Sykes is an eminently readable scientist. That sentence seems almost oxymoronic, especially if, like me, you are married to a scientist. Sykes expresses his enthusiasm for his subject and work in this book, making the complex science of genetics and genetic ancestry accessible and understandable.

I picked this book up based on its title. I have a small obsession and fascination with Britain and its peoples and history, especially the mystical Druids and Celts. Sykes includes a bit of histor...more

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Sep 25, 2010 Evan L. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: general-history

While this book rambled a lot (I am not sure how he got a lot of this through an editor--it sounds like my writing if I just sit down and crank out a first draft and I was feeling particularly scattered that day), it still had so much stuff that I just love that it made it totally worth it.This would include history of the isles, mythology of the isles, geographical descriptions of the isles, and stories about the isles.

Anytime someone other than a historian can find a way to explore history I f...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Ernest rated it 3 of 5 stars

I expected more about DNA and genetics; instead there is a lot of history. Most of the history is interesting, but I wanted genetics.

My main problem with this book is the lack of quality control on the eBook edition. There are a ton of words missing letters or with the wrong letters inserted. The same with many of the numbers. There are also some sentences that appear to be randomly added. The end result seriously degrades the reading experience. I am finding this type of problem with many eBoo...more

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Jan 19, 2012 Ryan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Bryan Sykes has a friendly, chatty writing style that I enjoyed but he spends the first half of the book sharing anecdotes about his colleagues and Irish mythology, some of which are needed background for the book, but many of which are not. Eventually he gets around to discussing the genetic roots of Britain and Ireland, but by the time that happens, many of you will have moved on to other books. The actual material pertaining to the genetic history of the British Isles could fill a long articl...more

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Sep 02, 2011 Andrew rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Historians, Celticists, Linguists

Shelves: celtic, history

This is a fascinating new take on the history of the Britain and Ireland based on the DNA make-up of the current inhabitants. Looking at mutations in mitochondrial DNA (which demonstrate a strict maternal line), and mutations in the Y chromosome which track strict paternal lines, Sykes can associate individuals and population groups with "clans" of ancestors tracing back to a single maternal or paternal ancestor. By locating these clan types on a map Sykes attempts to deduce population groups (a...more This is a fascinating new take on the history of the Britain and Ireland based on the DNA make-up of the current inhabitants. Looking at mutations in mitochondrial DNA (which demonstrate a strict maternal line), and mutations in the Y chromosome which track strict paternal lines, Sykes can associate individuals and population groups with "clans" of ancestors tracing back to a single maternal or paternal ancestor. By locating these clan types on a map Sykes attempts to deduce population groups (and their age), and tries to tie these groupings to historical and mythological accounts of mass immigration, invasion, or cultural exchanges.

A few surprises emerge from the results. First and most interesting to me is the fact that genetically speaking there doesn't seem to be much in the distinction between Celts and Picts. This seems to suggest that recent accounts which claim that the Picts were simply P-Celtic speakers may be on the right track. Second, it appears as if the British (P-Celts) are not in fact a group of Celts pushed out of central Europe, but instead indigenous (to the extent that anyone is indigenous) to the Isles themselves. He suggest that the pan-Celtic artifacts that link the British to the Celts of central Europoe are a consequence of cultural exchange rather than people movement. He does however, using maternal clans, seem to confirm the mythical claims many of the Celts of Ireland and Scotland were in fact immigrants from Iberia, which coincides with the claims that Q-celtic is an iberian innovation. Other points of interest are the fact that the Viking genetic lines are smaller than might be expected in the Shetlands and Orkneys, but high in areas of attested viking intrusion in Ireland, Scotland and Eastern England (the Danelaw). Finally, the relative lack of Roman genetic evidence comes as a surprise to me.

I have to say, however, that I'm not entirely enamored of the book. The author's disdain for linguistic evidence is completely off-putting, especially since his techniques, frankly, involve the same kinds of subjective categorization that linguists use. In particular, what is critical to his analysis is not the absolute numbers of genetic clans in any region but the differences between clans in different regions and the proportions of clans in a given region, attributing a historical event to, for example, a difference between 69% Y-chomosome clan "Oisin" and 50% of the same clan in a different region seems to be stretching the data beyond what it clearly shows. The factual difference is indisputable, the connection to history and archaeology is supposition. What annoyed me was that he criticizes linguists for making the same leap of connection between a set of facts (linguistic cognates and differences) and a historical account. A quick look at his maps and tables at the end of the book show that the situation is clearly pretty murky.

I suppose it's a rhetorical technique, since this book is aimed at non-scientists, but I was annoyed at the frequent attribution of a *single* (or at best dual) genetic ancestry for people who contributed to the study. For example, at one point when discussing the genetic make up of the Shetlands he refers to the "60% of the population who lack Viking ancestry", but this is lunacy. The techniques used track only *two* ancestral lines of any individual -- the strictly maternal line (mother, mother's mother, etc etc.) which is tracked through the mitochondrial DNA, and the strictly paternal line (father, father's father, etc etc) which is tracked through Y-chromosome. But of course we are all genetic products of more than our strict maternal and paternal lines. My father's female ancestors contributed one of the X-chromosomes that my sisters have, and the X-chromosome I have could well have come from a paternal ancestor on my mother's side, passed through to female offspring. To make claims about one's "ancestry" based solely on two of one's ancestral connection may catch the imagination of the public (I get to call myself a pict or a Viking etc.) but it's hardly based in the reality of the actual complex recipe of our DNA. it only represents the two easiest DNA paths to check. I don't think ease of tracking a genetic line should be the primary determinant of what a person's ancestry is, but Sykes seems to buy into such a characterization.

Definitely worth a read -- I'm even considering basing part of a course on this book, but to be read with caution. And for full disclosure, I am planning on sending my DNA to the company Sykes runs to find out what my own "ancestry" is. (less)

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Sep 01, 2012 Kevin A. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Probably appeals to a narrow audience, mostly Anglophiles, genealogists, historians of the British Isles, etc. I read it four years ago but to the best of my recollection the sum of this book amounts to that English, Irish & Scottish are all descended from the same small group of original settlers who may have come from Spain [!]

Virtually no trace of the Roman occupation survives in the gene pool, and surprisingly little from the Viking and Norman occupations, either. Mostly the peoples of t...more

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Aug 18, 2009 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you have roots in the British Isles and an interest in genetics or genealogy, this book is for you. As the back of the book describes: "Through a systematic ten-year DNA survey of more than 10,000 volunteers from across Britain, Ireland, and America, Bryan Sykes has traced the true genetic make-up of the British Isles and their descendants."

The subject matter and conclusions are fascinating. I enjoyed the parts describing the science more than the historical sections, which I found to be "dry...more

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Jul 19, 2011 Candace rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you are interested in genealogy,you will like this book. Blood tests and cheek swabs of the people of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England tells the stories of the invaders,conquerors and the natives of these ancient lands. I found it interesting that only certain parts of Scotland showed a high percentage of Viking ancestry and others a high percentage of celtic/pictish origins. They were also able to tell that certain parts of British Isle, the relationship between the vikings and celtic w...more

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Feb 12, 2010 Lee Manning rated it 4 of 5 stars

Interesting thesis, and well defended. Some parts a bit tough to follow, as the author assumes a decent knowledge of the geography of the British Isles, including the locations of key cities by name. Also his use of the Queen's English requires one to occasionally translate into the American vernacular. Other than that, you will learn a lot about genetics, the prehistory of the Isles, and the cultural mixes which have contributed to their present day population. Fascinating to read, and understa...more

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Aug 13, 2010 Cheztoche rated it 5 of 5 stars

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...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Harman rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. I had my doubts about it; having never read anything by him and being as much of an Anglophile as I am, I didn't know what to expect and was terrified that my love of all things related to the Isles might have been shattered. But much to my relief, this book about genetics became somewhat magical for me. I felt the way I did as I was finishing Sir Gibbie by George Macdonald, I didn't want the magic of it all to end. Incredible book; very interesting; well delivered; easy to un...more

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Jan 19, 2013 Kimberly Duquette rated it 4 of 5 stars

Written by one of the world’s leading geneticists from Oxford University, Bryan Sykes has helped thousands find their ancestry in the British Isles. This book resulted from a ten-year DNA survey of more than 10,000 volunteers, and traces the true genetic makeup of the British Isles and its descendants. Starting with ancient paleolithic and mesolithic findings, Sykes takes readers from the Pontnewydd cave in North Wales to the resting place of “The Red Lady” of Paviland, to the legend and tomb of...more

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Dec 16, 2012 Linda Nichols rated it 5 of 5 stars

It's fascinating to learn about the early inhabitants of the British Isles, and their links to the present inhabitants. It makes me want to send in my DNA to find out how I'm related; with surnames like Teaffe, Davis, Morton, and Hughes in my family tree there's no doubt I'm of Celtic heritage. It would be such fun to see which of the seven clan mothers I'm descended from. But this book is more than that; it seeks to learn how much of the Isles' population is actually descended from the Vikings...more

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Oct 30, 2012 Brandon rated it 3 of 5 stars

A very interesting read; I am glad that he discussed not just his genetic investigations into the people of the British Isles, but also the archaeological and historical facts behind the many peoples and tribes of Britain and Ireland.

However, the book does seem a bit "thin", in retrospect; he tends to fill space with anecdotes from his time conducting the genetic studies that form the basis of the book's conclusions. And though much of the history was new to me, I felt like he went into greater...more A very interesting read; I am glad that he discussed not just his genetic investigations into the people of the British Isles, but also the archaeological and historical facts behind the many peoples and tribes of Britain and Ireland.

However, the book does seem a bit "thin", in retrospect; he tends to fill space with anecdotes from his time conducting the genetic studies that form the basis of the book's conclusions. And though much of the history was new to me, I felt like he went into greater detail than he needed to simply because the actual genetic investigations and results don't take that much space to elucidate.

Nonetheless, I did enjoy the book and it gave me a better understanding for the history of the Isles than I had before. It made me curious to learn more about that history, and also to discover where I fit into the genetic make-up of the British Isles, as my ancestry lies there.

Unfortunately, one of his central claims, that most of Britain and Ireland's early inhabitants (the "Celts" and "Picts", and so on) came to the islands by way of the Iberian peninsula has since been disproved by more recent research; they appear to have come by a more central European route from the Balkans. However, what stands, most importantly, is the fact that there is far less actual Anglo-Saxon ancestry in England (compared to the supposed more "celtic" Scotland and Wales) than is commonly supposed. The Normans, too, left a very small genetic imprint.

And so contrary to the myth, given prominence by Victorian writers, that what distinguished England from its neighbour countries was its fundamentally Anglo-Saxon ancestry and character, most of all the residents of the British Isles are descended from the population of the original migrants to the Isles, commonly called "Celts" (though these are not the same as the "Celts" of central Europe, he notes). There are many cultural differences, surely, due to the Anglo-Saxon and Norman occupations being the elites in England and not so much in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, but as a matter of ancestry, most English people are no less "celtic" than the rest.

Now, it's the matter of culture that fascinates me. What impact did the Anglo-Saxons and Normans have on the culture of England, and how did that cause the country and its people to differ from the areas that did not see as great an impact from those conquering peoples? I've yet to find a book to deal with this question in a satisfactory way...(less)

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Mar 21, 2011 Gayle Mangis rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Homeschoolers--high school

Shelves: borrowed-books, read-in-2011, listened-to-on-cd

Bryan Sykes has put together a fascinating interdisciplinary study of the genetic history of Britain and Ireland. Starting with a general overview and continuing on to a more detailed look at Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England individually, *Saxons, Vikings, and Celts* explores the natural, anthropological, socio-political and finally genetic history of the isles. Sykes writing style is conversational, adding measured amounts of history and science and seasoned with just a touch of personal a...more

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Oct 28, 2008 itpdx rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

Interesting. Sykes goes through archeology, myth and written history to let us know what they tell us about the early inhabitants of Ireland and the UK. And then he writes about his project of collecting DNA from the current residents to see if this information collaborates any the information from other sources. The book answered a lot of my questions about how DNA is used in genealogy. The author also presents his theory of where the Celts came from.
I am not sure that I agree with all his rea...more

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Apr 27, 2008 Gwynwas rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: history, anthropology

Great book if your interested in the deep history of the Isles. I think it is a great book mostly because of the new light it sheds on previously unanwerable questions. Sykes led a multi-year genetic survey of the British Isles and here he sums up his findings. There is information here that you'll find nowhere else (at least that I'm aware of). This is the leading edge of applying genetic data to questions of historical migrations and culture change.

So, this is an absolute must-read if, like me...more

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Sep 16, 2010 Alex Telander rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2007

SAXONS, VIKINGS, AND CELTS: THE GENETIC ROOTS OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND BY BRYAN SYKES: Bryan Sykes, author of The Seven Daughters of Eve and Adam’s Curse, professor of human genetics at Oxford university, has spent many years of his life studying genes, chromosomes, and DNA; specializing in collecting data from all over the world and tracing ancestral lineages back thousands of years. Sykes was one of the instrumental geneticists in tracing all Europeans back to seven ancestral women. From this, S...more SAXONS, VIKINGS, AND CELTS: THE GENETIC ROOTS OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND BY BRYAN SYKES: Bryan Sykes, author of The Seven Daughters of Eve and Adam’s Curse, professor of human genetics at Oxford university, has spent many years of his life studying genes, chromosomes, and DNA; specializing in collecting data from all over the world and tracing ancestral lineages back thousands of years. Sykes was one of the instrumental geneticists in tracing all Europeans back to seven ancestral women. From this, Sykes now takes on the challenge of determining the ancestry of the British Isles. How much Saxon, Viking, and Celtic DNA is left in a modern day Englishman? Saxons, Vikings, and Celts is a bold and ambitious embarkation that reveals the astounding results of Sykes many years of study; while the facts may present more questions of why than answers; Saxons is one of the most important books of the twenty-first century.

Do not be daunted by the prospect pages of DNA statistics, Sykes goes out of his way to break everything down and explain it in a detailed and simple way; he even warns the reader before the “part with all the numbers.” Saxons, Vikings, and Celts apart from being a book about DNA and genetics of the British Isles, is also an amazing source for history. The first chapter is spent setting the scene with Sykes’ career and research. Chapter two is one of the most brilliant summaries of British history: from the end of Roman rule, through the history of King Arthur, past each important monarch, on to the present status quo; Sykes has an innate ability for explaining things in a way that make their connections obvious to everyone. The next few chapters are spent explaining his process for collecting the genetic data throughout the British Isles, first with blood samples from schools and blood banks, and then with plastic brushes that are scraped on the inside of the cheek to get skin samples -- an easier method better received by the people donating their samples. Sykes then dedicates a chapter for each country covering it’s history of immigration with Celts, Saxons, Vikings, and Normans, with the successive chapters covering the genetic correlation of these specific countries.

The last five pages of the book are what the reader has spent the last two hundred and fifty pages reading to get to; here Sykes correlates all the data together and explains the results, which are astonishing to say the least. They essentially boil down to this: the genetic makeup of the British Isles mainly consists of the Britons and Celts who have lived there for thousands of years, while the invading Saxon, Viking, and Norman people are but a minor percentage of the total. What does this all mean? Sadly, Sykes doesn’t really explain this at all – perhaps he is saving it for another book? – nevertheless, the reader is left coming up with his or her own ideas of what these results mean. Were the invading peoples not that great in number? Did they not actually settle in such large numbers, as we think?

While Saxons, Vikings, and Celts may not answer every question you have, the facts that it brings to light with the irrefutable certainty of DNA evidence are enough to spend many years contemplating. Sykes has even started his own company, Oxford Ancestors (www.oxfordancestors.com), where one can sign up and with a sample can have their DNA traced through ancestors who lived, walked, and breathed thousands of years ago. For those seeking more facts and answers from Saxons, Vikings, and Celts, they should visit www.bloodoftheisles.net.

For more book reviews, and author interviews, go to BookBanter.(less)

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May 14, 2013 Erneilson rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a something of a genetic detective story. Where did the people of Great Britain originate? Archeology and history tell only part of the story - the rest is carried in the DNA of anyone who has British, Irish or Scotch ancestry. Dr. Sykes has made a career out of collecting DNA samples from a wide and diverse body of volunteers, from all over the world. This study focuses on the British Isles. I'm thinking seriously of submitting my own buccal swab for analysis - both Y-chromosomal and mi...more

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Mar 10, 2011 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

A very interesting follow-up to The Seven Daughters of Eve. This book is written in the same scientific, yet familiar and accessible tone that I like Sykes so much for previously. If I had any doubts about the importance of genetics in revealing human history, they are gone. The author's comparison of his research results with the history and mythology of the Isles is fascinating. Of course, it's all far more interesting if you had ancestors from the British Isles. I can't wait until I can affor...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Catherine Kesseler rated it 3 of 5 stars

The book had a good overview of the history of the British Isles and explained the process of migration into the isles and how DNA samples were collected. He gives names to the YDNA and matrilineal DNA clans but doesn't for the YDNA doesn't correlate the names to an actual haplotype. This is a draw back and the book should have included a list or chart. I had to google the clan names to find out where the clans originated. There was reference to more material being available at a website but tha...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Daniel rated it 3 of 5 stars

The findings are fascinating - even to the point of being a little startling - but there's also plenty of fluff here that seems to serve no purpose other than filling enough pages to merit a commercial printing. All the same, it was worth sitting through multiple descriptions of DNA sampling sessions and a paean to the best ice cream parlor in Wales in order to get to the meat hanging on this book's bones.

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“Oral myths are closer to the genetic conclusions than the often ambiguous scientific evidence of archaeology.” — 4 people liked it

“Myths have a very long memory.” — 4 people liked it

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