Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide to Family History and Genealogy [Paperback]

Jane Wilson (Author), Terry Willard (Author), Jim Willard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 3, 1997

Genealogy is the second-fastest growing hobby in America, but many would-be family historians are daunted by the sheer volume of information they must sift through and techniques they need to master in order to find their own past. Jim and Terry Willard have compiled an invaluable volume that makes researching one's own family lineage both accessible and fun. Based on the 10-part PBS series by the same name, Ancestors covers all the bases including creating a pedigree chart or family tree, finding and interpreting documents, and searching for your roots online. Jim and Terry Willard explain each technique with the assistance of ten expert genealogists. The book includes additional information not discussed in the series that will make it an invaluable companion for all would-be family historians.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This work is the companion book to the television series of the same name that aired on PBS affiliates in January and February 1997. Alex Haley, who was actively involved in producing the Ancestors series before his untimely death, summed up the heart of the project and shed light on the passion for genealogy: "In all of us there is a hunger, marrow deep, to know our heritage....Without this enriching knowledge there is a hollow yearning." The book's ten chapters match the ten-part TV series and illustrate methods for getting started; the final appendix offers a resource directory. A reading list, a pedigree chart, a family group record, a research log, and advice on where to write for vital records conclude this richly illustrated introductory book. A good beginning handbook for genealogists, this is essential for major genealogy collections. Be advised, however, that it joins a long line of outstanding works for beginners that can be found by consulting the subject heading "Genealogy-handbooks."?Judith P. Reid, Library of Congress
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Jim Willard is a contributor for Houghton Mifflin Company titles including: "Ancestors."

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books (March 3, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395854105
• ISBN-13: 978-0395854105
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #897,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners but..., January 27, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide to Family History and Genealogy (Paperback)

even though it is a wonderful resource for helping to teach genealogy it is not for the Non-American.

This is a book that lists page after page of addresses for each state of places to write to which is great for anyone researching in the States but really doesn't help those of us who have no American ancestors.

I did , however, find the medical pedigree section extremely interesting.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read., June 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide to Family History and Genealogy (Paperback)

I am just beginning to trace my ancestors. This is the first book of this type I have read so I can not compare it to any other books. I found it informative yet an enjoyable read. It contains examples and list that helped me.