Overview

Anxiety. Addiction. Depression. We associate these words with the challenges of modern life. Rarely do we consider how these conditions shaped past generations. Using archival sources, testimonies, and her grandfather Walter Parker's experiences, the author not only paints a vivid picture of life in an English Victorian village, but she also draws upon psychological theory to explore the lives of her working-class ancestors. What did your forebears inherit from their parents? Which psychological characteristics did your ancestors hand down? A Victorian's Inheritance can help you find answers.

Full Product Details

9781916246621

Table of Contents

Reviews

★★★★★ ""A definite keeper for both genealogists and psychologists"" ""This book covers two great topics, genealogy research and mental health in a manner that provides the reader insights on tackling both areas well. Often the past can provide a look at circumstances and events in a new light. Adding the context surrounding a persons' life is not an easy task and Helen has done this very well. I highly recommended this book for anyone who had crossed paths with wondering why about an ancestor!"" - Claire, USA ★★★★★ ""Shows that anxiety, depression and addiction affected Victorian families just as they do today"" ""The author goes into minute details about all aspects of family life on the Norfolk border and Cambridgeshire in Victorian times. The book is beautifully illustrated, with many family and other photographs. Not only do we get the facts, we also get the benefit of the author's skills as a counsellor and her knowledge of psychology; she shows us that anxiety, depression and addiction were as much part of our ancestors' lives and affected the whole family just as they do today."" - Delyth, UK ★★★★★ ""Demonstrates what can be done beyond simple marriage, birth and death dates"" ""A fascinating insight into the lives of Walter and his family, the book is a tribute to the passion for and detailed research of family history by its author. Her blend of professional counselling experience and commitment to detailed research produces an engrossing and entertaining book. This book fills in the gaps using a range of historical sources, family archives, and marvellous photographs."" - Stephen, UK ★★★★★ ""A revelation"" ""Excellent. A revelation."" - Jerry, UK ★★★★★ ""A must-read for budding genealogists"" ""A fascinating insight into the lives of Walter and his family, the book is a tribute to the passion for and detailed research of family history by its author."" - Stephen, UK

Author Information

Helen, a former counsellor and family historian, has become a 'geneatherapist' whose mission is to use historical and current understanding of mental health, psychology, and neuroscience to deepen our understanding of our ancestors and benefit present and future generations. Helen holds a Diploma in counselling. Fascinated by psychological theory and the stories we develop to make sense of ourselves and our family, her original quest was to understand her Victorian grandfather, Walter Parker, born in 1885 in the English village of Upwell on the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire border. Walter migrated to Canada in 1907. Helen believes family history doesn't survive unless it's in print, so she pondered how to share what she had learnt. Inspired by the few trailblazers, she set out to write an engaging and accessible book that would not only explore working-class life in an English village, but could encourage other family historians to pass on what they have painstakingly discovered. During her research a transgenerational legacy of loss, trauma, anxiety, and depression unravelled. It revealed repeated patterns of behaviour that she too had unwittingly passed on. This discovery helped her understand her work's focus. It is through acknowledging and exploring psychology, neuroscience, and your ancestor's behaviour that you can develop a deeper understanding of those who came before you, and pass on a healthier legacy to your children and grandchildren.

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