Customer Reviews

Italian Genealogical Records: How to Use Italian Civil, Ecclesiastical & Other Records in Family History Research (Italian Edition)

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For those of you in search of your Italian heritage need look no further. Everything you need is right here in this relatively cheap book written by, get this, a non-Italian! Whether you just want to get your grandparents birth records from the 1890's or go all the way back to the 1700's to get your 5th great grandparents marriage record, this book will tell you how, in easy step by step instructions. Can't read or write in Italian? Mr. Cole's book does that for you, too. Don't know your Italian history? Guess what? Mr. Cole does, and he shares it with you in his book.
There are many illustrations of actual Italian records from the 1800's to going back almost 1000 years, and he explains what each is and what the records say. This author covers the history of surnames as well.
With the information in this book, it would be virtually impossible for someone who's ancestors were Italian not to discover their heritage.
I strongly recommend this book.

This is a truly outstanding work. Well-written, fcat filled, concise, orderly. Dr. Cole covers all the important topics very well. If you buy just one book on Italian genealogy, this is the one.

Using just this book, a subscription to POINT journal, an Italian dictionary, and a Latin dictionary I was able to go through the LDS films of my grandfather's ancestral town and in a few months easily trace most of his lines back to the 1500s.

This book has everything any person performing Italian genealogy research would want to know. I consider it my primary reference.

This was the first book I bought on Italian genealogy several years ago and it is still the best source for understanding Italian records. Using the form letters I have been successful in obtaining information from a variety of Italian sources. What is especially useful is the balance between the how to chapters and the background on the records. Highly recommended.

Very helpful for first time researchers. Detailed information and understandable. I recommend it.

Thank heavens this book came into my life as a dedicated heritage researcher, first generation Italo-American. Since I am alone in this, as are many out there I have founf doing this, I especially appreciated the wonderful sources, shortcuts, and information given to the noviate, although anyone can learn something from this complete guide. A great addition to the literature.

Don't get me wrong, this is an excellent book. But I found it to focus too much on providing general information rather than specific break-downs on actions to take.

It may have been better if it were divided into two books- one giving the necessary history and background needed to understand how Italian records work, when they came into existence, etc. And another giving specific information and tips on how to obtain them.

Italian records are as complex as it's history. So two books may have been in order, there is just so much information there. Or one book, with less information, but more specifics on each category that they chose.

It left me a bit overwhelmed with knowledge, but still no clear direction to go in.

It's kinda like when you are lost and try asking for directions and they tell you 3 different ways you can go, and all they do is confuse you more-so you have a lot of information but are somehow more confused. I'd rather have them tell me one way, that will get me there... I think that explains how I felt after reading this book.

This is the book you need if you are just starting out to study Italian records on microfilm. It shows you exactly where to find the important information in each type of document, how to obtain records from Italy, how to read old Italian and Latin writing, and much more. Invaluable resource!

This sourcebook is outstanding. I have read many similiar books but if you had to purchase one, this is it. It has everything and more than most others. It is packed with information. The first few chapters deal with Italian history which is invaluable. Without understanding Italian history you will not be able to understand how and why to search Italian ancestors in a way that is going to provide results. This books explains it all, has all the forms you'll need and is clear and concise. You will not be disappointed if you buy this book.