It runs in the family : understanding more about your ancestors

Summary:

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 artifacts.--COVER.

Record details

ISBN: 9780752497020
ISBN: 0752497022
Physical Description: 160 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Publisher: Stroud, Gloucestershire : The History Press, 2013

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (page 156) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Introduction : An intimate guide to our ancestors and their times -- Caught by the lens : Eyes -- Down in the mouth : Teeth -- Their crowning glory : Hair -- By the hairs on his chin : Beards -- Marks of distinction : Distinguishing features -- Inked : Tatoos -- Head and shoulders above the rest : Stature -- Pinning them down : Brooches -- All fastened up : Buttons -- Just the thing : Rings -- Links to the past : Cufflinks -- A waft of history : Perfume -- Floral tributes : Flowers -- Like a member of the family : Dogs.