The Palmist's Companion by Fitzherbert

I'm wondering if there's any consensus on Andrew Ftizherbert's book "The Palmist's Companion." Is it considered a good reference book, with well-researched opinions? Is Fitzherbert well-respected? I'm asking because he makes some references to my grandfather, Josef Ranald, and I'm trying to figure out how reliable his opinions are. Many thanks for any information!

Caroline Curvan

hi Caroline,
I don't have Andrew's book "The Palmist's Companion", never read it so can't comment personally but I know it was acclaimed as the first comprehensive book of it's type. Andrew is known for being very critical in his views, and he is (or was) well respected in hand analysis.
Andrew has been out of the picture regarding public / published hand reading discussions since about 1998, when - much to many people's amazement! -  he was arrested & sent to prison after being convicted of murder. An historical case, Andrew being the first person in Australia to be convicted on DNA evidence alone. I have heard rumours that he could be released soon.
More about it here
https://www.modernhandreadingforum.com/t238-andrew-fitzherbert-s-conviction

another discussion about Andrew here
https://www.modernhandreadingforum.com/t299-andrew-richard-fitzherbert

Here is Christopher Jones review of Andrew's book (no mention of your grandfather)
http://www.cheirology.net/reviews/fitzherbert.htm