This is the extraordinary, and true, story of a search for Burke ancestors based on a family letter which came into the possession of the author. It is extraordinary for several reasons, not least of which is the wonderful variety of family members which were uncovered. Admirals, farmers, surgeons and priests; widows and emigres; rebels and conservatives; Irish, English, New Zealander and American are all part of the rich Burke tapestry which is unfolded. It is also extraordinary in its disclosure of the wealth of records and assistance that are available to the family historian, and the value of persistence and imagination in their use. But perhaps most extraordinary is the author's description of the eerie mix of coincidence and chance which assisted his search. The story focuses on a Burke family and their extensive connections. The families of Admiral Collingwood, Collis, Creagh, Mullay, Blake, Kirwan, Browne, O'Mahony and many others are also central. There is a wealth of family information in the book. There is also a novel link to a database of family information, which can be accessed through the book on our website.

Illustrated by: Cathy Henderson