Pitfalls in Genealogical Research [Paperback]

Milton Rubincam (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1987

Written with both wit and academic integrity, the eminent Mr. Rubincam's monograph is a must-read for all genealogists. This book alerts novices to common mistakes and frauds, and reminds more seasoned researchers what constitutes good genealogy.

74 pages, 5 1/2 by 8 1/2, softbound ISBN 0-916489-28-0

Editorial Reviews

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Why not learn from the mistakes of a professional genealogist? Learn how to spot frauds and avoid common mistakes!

Product Details

• Paperback: 74 pages
• Publisher: Ancestry Publishing (March 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0916489280
• ISBN-13: 978-0916489281
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #553,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Education & Reference > Genealogy > Online Research

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable book by one of the "giants" of genealogy., October 29, 1999

By 

Mark Howells (Puyallup, Washington State, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pitfalls in Genealogical Research (Paperback)

Its short little chapters take on common errors in genealogical research. Focusing mostly on American research, it does provide a few examples from Britain and Germany. Problems like when is a nephew not a nephew, how can an infant be baptized before it is born, and the problems of fraudulent pedigrees are all addressed.

What I like the most about this fun read is the way in which it hammers on the common error of "the sanctity of the printed word". Taking what is printed in book form as truth has been a typical problem in genealogical research for decades. Funny how things never change much. Rubincam's admonitions about not believing what you find in books sound just like today's pundits' warnings about not believing everything you find on the Internet. Very true.

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Seldom has 74 pages seemed so long...., December 1, 2001

By 

J. Green (Bedford, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pitfalls in Genealogical Research (Paperback)

I purchased this book(let) expecting to learn of common "pitfalls." Instead, I believe I was subjected to a rant by the author on how genealogists create the pedigree that they wish they had by ignoring obvious disconnects in their research. I wouldn't consider this a pitfall. I consider this fraud. Great detail was provided for case after case of suspect researchers. (Of the 74 pages, many were devoted to citations.) There were some bits of worthwhile information wedged in between the tales of horror. I found the information on the calendar change and heraldry of interest. Otherwise, Mr. Rubincam's message was clear. Don't trust any source by itself. Always verify and reverify. I agree completely with this point. I just don't think it in itself justifies a book - even one as short as this one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Small But Mighty, April 2, 2010

By 

Beverly R. Conolly (Gainesville, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pitfalls in Genealogical Research (Paperback)

This small book, "Pitfalls In Genealogical Research" by Milton Rubincam, paperback ISBN 10: 0916489280, is a wonderful inexpensive gift for anyone who is interested in genealogy and is indeed full of pitfalls in genealogical research. It is excellent for beginners as well as advanced genealogists who have sometimes forgotten a few of these common mistakes or pitfalls.