This annotated edition of the History of the Jones Family (ca. 1930) by John L. Jones (1857-1938) puts back into print an important historical book. Published forty years before Roots, History of the Jones Family also tells the story of a remarkable African-American family. Alex Haley was a professional writer and Roots was a best seller. John L. Jones was a businessman and he probably gave away all 100 copies of his own book. Nevertheless, Jones wrote in a natural, conversational, unpretentious style that is delightful to read. He mixes family stories with family fact in an absorbing...