Reflections Of Our Past: How Human History Is Revealed In Our Genes

Where did modern humans come from and how important are the biological differences among us? Are we descended from Neanderthals? How many races of people are there? Were Native Americans the first settlers of the New World? How can we tell if Thomas Jefferson had a child with Sally Hemings? Through an engaging examination of issues such as these, and using non-technical language, Reflections of Our Past shows how anthropologists use genetic information to test theories and define possible answers to fundamental questions in human history. By looking at genetic variation in the world today, we can reconstruct the recent and remote events and processes that created the variation we see, providing a fascinating reflection of our genetic past. Reflections of Our Past is a W. W. Howells Book Prize Winner and Choice Outstanding Academic Title.

John H. Relethford is Distinguished Teaching Professor, Department of Anthropology, SUNY College at Oneonta, where he has received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. His research interests include genetics and human history, human biological variation, and the origins of modern humans. He is currently President Elect of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists. Reflections of Our Past is a W. W. Howells Book Prize Winner and Choice Outstanding Academic Title. John Relethford lives in Oneonta, New York.