Pocket Guide to Irish Genealogy [Paperback]

Brian Mitchell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1988 | ISBN-10: 1558560009 | ISBN-13: 978-1558560000

By skillfully blending case studies, maps, charts, and his own mastery of the subject, Mitchell has managed to convey the basics of Irish genealogical research in scarcely sixty pages. Following introductory chapters on the background to research on the American side, the author describes the nature and uses of all significant record sources in Ireland, including but not limited to civil and parish registers, gravestone inscriptions, wills, the Griffith's Valuation, tithe books, the 1901 and 1911 censuses, newspapers, hearth money rolls, the registry of deeds, estate records, and ordnance survey memoirs. Another important chapter explains the differences between the various administrative divisions of Ireland, knowledge of which is critical in tracking down all available records on Irish ancestors. The Pocket Guide concludes with lists of all major Irish record offices and heritage centers, providing addresses and phone numbers, hours of operation, contact persons, and major record holdings. In short, if you need a handy road map to genealogical research in Ireland, look no further.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Genealogical research is often viewed as complex and arduous. "The basic aim of this book is to overcome the perception that genealogy is only for the experts." Mitchell accomplishes his task well. This short guide explains the genealogical history of Ireland and how to find and use the sources that describe American's ancestors. Sections on administrative divisions, record offices, and heritage centers in Ireland make finding sources easy. There are illustrations of major sources and how to extract information from them. This book will be more useful to beginning hobbyists than the longer treatments by Marilyn Yurdan ( Irish Family History , Genealogical Pub., 1990), and Angus Baxter ( In Search of Your British & Irish Roots , LJ 11/15/82; Genealogical Pub., 1987. reprint). It could be improved by adding a short bibliography on Irish history and sources. Recommended for libraries serving genealogists or collecting manuals for hobbyists.
- Raymond S. Wright III, Brigham Young Univ. Lib., Provo, Ut .
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 103 pages
• Publisher: Closson Pr (March 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558560009
• ISBN-13: 978-1558560000
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,524,259 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A highly recommended, "user friendly" primer, July 14, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pocket Guide to Irish Genealogy (Paperback)

Now in an updated second edition, genealogist Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy is a slim yet information-packed volume of information on reference sources to tracing ancestry in Ireland, including the 1901 and 1911 census to school registers, registry of deeds, estate records and much more. Of special note is the section dealing with Irish Genealogy and the Internet, and its guide to some of the most useful sites. A highly recommended, "user friendly" primer for beginning genealogists who wish to trace Irish ancestry, Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy also has much to commend it to experienced genealogists in need of a refresher for work with Irish genealogical research assignments.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable genealogical reference and guide., February 3, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pocket Guide to Irish Genealogy (Paperback)

In his Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy, Brian Mitchell skillfully blends case studies, maps, charts, and his own mastery of the subject to convey the basics of Irish genealogical research -- all in less than sixty pages. Following introductory chapters on the background to research on the American side, Mitchell describes the nature and uses of all significant record sources in Ireland including, but not limited to: civil and parish registers, gravestone inscriptions, wills, the Griffith's Valuation, Tithe Books, the 1901 and 1911 censuses, newspapers, hearth money rolls, the registry of deeds, estate records, and ordnance survey memoirs. Mitchell also explains the differences between the various administrative divisions of Ireland. Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy concludes with lists of all major Irish record offices and heritage centers, providing addresses and phone numbers, hours of operation, contact persons, and major record holdings. Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy is an invaluable roadmap to genealogical research in Ireland and ideally suited for those new to this branch of genealogical research.

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential reference for any novice genealogist, April 15, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pocket Guide to Irish Genealogy (Paperback)

Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy draws upon case studies, maps, charts, and his own expertise to present the aspiring genealogist with the basics of Irish genealogical research in a "reader friendly" sixty-page introduction. The nature and uses of all significant records sources in Ireland are listed and described, including civil and parish registers, gravestone inscriptions, wills, the Griffith's Valuation, Tithe Books, the 1901 and 1911 censuses, newspapers, hearth money rolls, the registry of deeds, estate records, ordinance survey memoirs and more. All major Irish record offices and heritages centers are listed along with their contact information, hours of operation, and major record holdings. Brian Mitchell's Pocket Guide To Irish Genealogy is an essential reference for any novice genealogist wishing to tap into Irish iresources.