The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy [Paperback]

Christine Rose (Author), Kay Germain Ingalls (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide | Publication Date: September 1, 1997

You're no idiot, of course. You know your grandmother's maiden name and the story of how your great uncle decided to settle in Oklahoma. But when it comes fo digging up the rest of the facts and growing a family tree, you feel like you're looking at an impossible job. Stop trying to dig with your bare hands! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genalogy provides you with the tools you need, from tracking down family records to locating long-lost relatives. Feel confident about interviewing family members, organizing photos, visiting courthouses to find information, and more! In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you get:

Editorial Reviews

Review

The single best ‘beginner’s guide’ in the genealogical field. (Elizabeth Shown Mills, editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly)

--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

About the Author

Christine Rose is a full-time professional genealogist. She was elected a fellow of the American society of Genealogists in 1988, an honor bestowed on only 50 living genealogists at any time.
Kay Germain Ingalls is a certified genealogist and is past president of the Association of Professional Genealogists and a trustee for the Board for Certification of Genealogists.

--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Alpha (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028619471
• ISBN-13: 978-0028619477
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,562,922 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great in all the right ways!, November 23, 2000

By 

Chad (Tulsa, Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy (Paperback)

A very helpful genealogy reference for the beginner. Especially helpful if you're in the "I want to trace my roots. How do I begin, where do I start, and how do I go about doing it?" situation.

Contains a lot of helpful common sense tips that will prevent future headaches. A lot of well thought out suggestions and tips too.

I especially like how when they suggest you talk to your extended family and interview them for genealogy information that you be patient with them and let them tell their stories. A lot of well-mannered tips like these are what elevate this book to excellence.

A lot of the confusing aspects of genealogical research such as document requests and providing proof and evidence are well covered.

I highly recommend this book for the beginner to intermediate level genealogist.

53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you buy only one genealogy book, buy this one!, May 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy (Paperback)

I bought this book when I hadn't yet done any research at all about my family history. A year and a half later, I have a file drawer full of information, and I have needed no other reference. I also bought a book called The Source,which is supposed to be the 'genealogist's bible', and it has been a giant paperweight in comparison. Idiot's genealogy is full of the kind of practical information that can carry you through years of research. Happy hunting!!!

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous reference, October 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy (Paperback)

I used this book as a reference when I was writing The Family Tree Detective (my children's book about genealogy). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy is sensational. The authors make a lot of potentially complex material easy to understand. They also write in a fun-to-read style: something that you don't always find in genealogy books! This is definitely a book you'll want to add to your genealogy library.