Studies in Peerage and Family History is the first of the major works on peerage and family history that brought Dr. Round recognition as the father of scientific genealogy. It contains papers on the succession of the Crown, the English Hapsburgs, and the origins of the Stewarts, Russells, and Spencers. Among other things, Round calls into question some of the claims put forth on behalf of British noble families by Burke's Peerage.
J.H. Round (1854–1928) was a prolific historian, scholar and genealogist of the English medieval period. He translated the portion of the Domesday Book (1086) covering Essex into contemporary English. As an expert in the history of the British peerage, he was appointed honorary historical adviser to the Crown.
Detailed case studies of noble (but non-royal) English families, including Mowbray, Russell, Spencer, Stewart, and Ballon. Excellent and stimulating background reading, if you pay attention.