Customer Reviews

Genealogy Handbook: The Complete Guide to Tracing Your Family Tree

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm just getting started with my Genealogical research, and after feeling a bit overwhelmed with the possibilities, I bought a couple of books to help me develop a "roadmap."

Given the conciseness of this text and the beautiful graphic design and layout, I was expecting this to be shorter on substance than my other (much lengthier) book, "How to Do Everything with Your Genealogy." However, the old family photographs and pictures of census records and immigration documents are inspiring, while the mini-case studies help put the descriptive text in context. The eight concise chapters seem to cover the essential range of topics, including interviewing and collection techniques, archiving, creating family trees, using the internet as a tool, and planning a genealogy research trip. Family history research is not rocket science, and while much of what is described is common sense, this book focuses on pointing out key internet and library resources and recommending methods for interviewing as well as making use of the experience of naturally helpful librarians and archivists.

I was particularly impressed by the clarity and relevance of the chapter on internet searches, which assumes no previous background and probably well accommodates even the largely senior demographic of family historians. Relevant sub-topics include a conceptual overview of how email works, basic netiquette, and pointers to helpful online resources. Appropriately, computer technology is a dominant theme throughout the book, and the author makes particular note that with modern technology, genealogical research is a whole lot less tedious than it used to be. One example of a good idea I hadn't thought of, is bringing a digital camera on research trips to take snapshots of archival documents.

I'm sure I'll come back to this book as a "reference" during various stages of my search, but that didn't stop me from reading this from cover to cover.

Yes, I agree, this is the best beginning genealogy book. I wanted to give my mother something practical, yet not overwhelming, so she could start researching our roots. I found this book in my local library and had trouble returning it! Reader's Digest is the publisher and there is no dispute to the quality of material within. It is easy to read, chapters are logical, and the indices are an added bonus. A great purchase, especially at the Amazon price.

I found the book initally at my local library and decided it was very usefull and wanted my own copy so I found it at [...]. It very well layed out and would be an excellent guide for begineers to genealogly as well as a resourse of info for the experienced geanologist as well.

The condition of this book exceeded my expectations. The delivery was very quick. I am very happy with my purchase.

I got this book for my mother in law. She is currently working in the family geneaology and found it very helpful.

This book was a total let down. Too much material is glossed over. This is probably a great guide for a kid doing a school project--but it just doesn't cover as much material as other books at the same price. For example it states that you can find info from genealogical societies , research centers and libraries. No societies or libraries are then listed right there in the book. A paltry few societies are listed in the back. I just finished The genealogy sourcebook by Sharon Debarto Carmack--which is absolutely fabulous!!! Maybe if I read the boks in the reverse order I would have a higher opinion of the Reader's digest version. On second thought--probably not!!!!!

This books is a guide to helping you figure out your past. It gives you information on how to open up doors to your past. It also gives you the web sites that can be use. It show you how to start your genealogy and where to look. Its a guide on helping you uncover the past.

This is the best Genealogy book available!!! If you only buy one book on tracing your family tree this is it!

I was disappointed to find that this book tells you how to apply the information you have on the web so that others who are looking have it. I am cautious about placing personal information on the web because you don't know who might collect it and then use it to steal your identity or create problems in other areas of your private life. I was looking for ways to go the the national data banks to find out information and I felt this book did not fill that need. Jean Schweer