Finding Your Hispanic Roots (Paperback)

by George R. Ryskamp (Author) "This book is for people who are interested in people..." (more)
Key Phrases: paleographic term, surname system, provincial historical archives, United States, Salt Lake City, Latin America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Readers interested in genealogical research will be pleased to know that much of the information contained in Ryskamp's classic Tracing Your Hispanic Heritage (1984) is readily available again in an updated, revised version that addresses recent developments (computer applications, microfilming, development of family history centers, and the centralization of parish records, to name a few) and continues to provide an excellent introduction to genealogy in general and Hispanic genealogy in particular. The author teaches history at Brigham Young University and writes and lectures extensively on genealogical research.

The first four chapters could serve as an introduction to anyone beginning to compile a family history, offering suggestions on where to begin, how to set up a filing system and understand the Sosa numbering system (a system devised by Spanish genealogist Jeronimo de Sosa in 1676 and later adopted worldwide), selecting a computer program, and using the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints family history centers. The remainder of the book explains specific aspects of research using Hispanic materials, including language and handwriting, naming systems, and records in Hispanic countries (civil, church, military, and notaries). There is a glossary and a directory of Hispanic genealogical societies in the U.S.

The new version compresses nearly 1,000 pages of information plus new material into a 290-page paperback, which is less expensive and more portable than the 1984 work. However, libraries fortunate enough to own copies of the 1984 work will want to consider keeping it for its durable binding in a larger format and its wealth of sample letters and explanatory material.

Libraries should also consider acquiring Paula Byer's Hispanic American Genealogical Sourcebook [RBB My 15 95], which features an extensive directory of sources of Hispanic genealogical information, including libraries, archives, public and private organizations, print sources, and other media.

Review
Learn how to examine basic documents which reveal Hispanic origins through a title which covers all the types of records found in all Hispanic countries, and how to use them in a genealogical search. Any with Hispanic roots who want to learn more about family origins will find Finding Your Hispanic Roots an essential document of just how to go about the research process at home, and through overseas contacts. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 290 pages
• Publisher: Genealogical Publishing Company (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806315172
• ISBN-13: 978-0806315171
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #774,668 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very important tool for research, July 7, 2006

By	Salena Ball Ashton (Texas) - See all my reviews

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced, this book will help you understand many aspects of Hispanic genealogy. Language, abbreviations, paleography, jurisdictional boundaries and its effects on record keeping, etc... this is THE book to get for researching ancestors in Mexico, Central and South America, and Southern Europe.

This is one of two books I recommend my classes to purchase. The other I recommend, if doing American Research, is THE SOURCE.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finding Your Hispanic Roots, January 24, 2007

By	Paula Howe - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was actually a gift for my husband, who is enjoying the resource book. It has been one of his (young)life long goals to find his roots, which has been a struggle: especially with his Mexican roots.

Our wish is that the book will give us excellent leads as to where he can continue his search or where to begin.

Thank you from a very satisfied costomer.

5.0 out of 5 stars GENEALOGY for Hispanics, August 29, 2008

By	Andres Arias "Rey Review" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

By far, the best book for Hispanic Genealogy. Highly recommended for all levels of genealogy.