Derek Stock’s personal account takes a highly irreverent look at the world of genealogy and the quest for our roots. It is not a “How to…“ book, but instead is very much a “That’s how it is…” book, in which no one is safe from derisive and iniquitous criticism, whether it be the vicars of old, the subscription web sites, even a whole village, or indeed our very own ancestors, who conspire to make genealogy the challenge that it is. Family historians throughout the world will identify closely with the trials and tribulations of his quest for ancestors, and may be inspired, like the author, to fill in their gaps with a fertile imagination and contemptuous fly-on-the-wall conversations.