Bringing Your Family History to Life Through Social History [Paperback]

Katherine Scott Sturdevant (Author), Sharon DeBartolo Carmack (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2000

This first-ever guide shows researchers how to weave historical details into their genealogies to form a unique family history narrative.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Betterway Books; 1st edition (August 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558705104
• ISBN-13: 978-1558705104
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #907,270 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Resource, October 30, 2000

By 

S Walker (Colorado Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bringing Your Family History to Life Through Social History (Paperback)

Kathy Sturdevant brings her expertise of social history to the world of family history and genealogy with humor, flair, and solid information. With clear examples and explanations of the many sources/resources available to family historians, this book bridges the often separated worlds of history and genealogy with a lively style and enjoyable wit. Tips on preserving and documenting family "artifacts," a meaty bibliography, photos (and how to "read" them), research pointers, thought-provoking ideas for research, helpful and accessible academic orientation. I took Kathy's course on the same topic (co-taught with Certified Genealogist Sharon DeBartolo Carmack)--the book demonstrates why Kathy is such a popular instructor at her institution. Reading the book is almost as good as taking the course; maybe better if you prefer to skip the required term paper. :-) On the other hand, you'll miss Sharon's infamous Halloween lecture at the local cemetery and the intriguing antique artifacts Kathy brings to class.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Make History Come Alive!, January 18, 2003

By 

Wendy A. B. Whipple (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bringing Your Family History to Life Through Social History (Paperback)

Bringing Your Family History to Life Through Social History is a great book. John Fiske said "Without genealogy, the study of history is lifeless." I believe that without history, the study of genealogy is meaningless. With this book, you can make your family history meaningful. From the forward: "Trust me. You are not alone. I felt exactly the same way you do. Names and dates on a genealogical chart were fun - for a while. Then I remember thinking, 'Is this all there is to genealogy? [...]' I was craving for something more than sterile facts." Sturdevant shows you how to make it all come to life.

The book has numerous examples, some published, some private collection materials, to help you see what you can do with your family's history. Even if you don't intend to get your stories published, there will probably be someone to follow you who will be overjoyed to read the detailed descriptions you can create with this book.

If you have a huge list of names and dates which have no real meaning, this is the book for you. It really will breathe new life into your genealogical research. I *highly* recommend Bringing Your Family History to Life Through Social History. I find it to be a very useful book, and an excellent reminder when my research stalls.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Bringing Your Family History to Life Through Social History, January 26, 2011

By 

Annie - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bringing Your Family History to Life Through Social History (Paperback)

When I first saw the picture on the front of this book, (The picture is gorgeous,) I thought it would be of enormous help for writing my family history. I was very disappointed when I saw the original price on this book $19.99 and I had paid a much larger sum. I hope the content will eventually prove better than the price!