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Beginners => Family History Beginners Board => Topic started by: RootsChat on Friday 20 June 03 17:38 BST (UK)
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Ancestral Trails: The Complete Guide to British Genalogy and Family History by Mark D. Herber is a must have for any researcher even if you would consider youself an old hand. Everytopic is carefully explained with lots of examples along the way. I personally use my copy on a regular basis.
Comment by Moderator: The first edition of Ancestral Trails is now out of print. But a new 2004 second edition is available in hardback. Price ranging from about £35 to about £20. ISBN 0750935103
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How to Interpret Your DNA Test Results for Family History by Anne Hart
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Family Names and Family History by David Hey
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This explores how we can trace a family name though density spread towards the origins of the name using national and regional records.
Using Criminal Records by the Public Record Office
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How to research the Criminal Records
Criminal Ancestors by David T. Hawkins
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Researching Criminal ancestors with lots of case studies resulting for many in transportation.
Making use of the Census by Susan Lumas
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Records of Merchant Shipping and Seamen by Kelvin Smith
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This book helps to illustrate merchant shpping and lists the repositories where records are held.
Army Service Records of the First World War by Simon Fowler, William Spencer and Stuart Tamblin
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Latin for Local and Family Historians by Denis Stuart
A guide for those who thought Latin would never come in usefull
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Organizing Your Family History Search by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack.
This Book allows us to organise the huge amounts of paperwork we generate in researching our tree and see the dining table again.
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Tracing the History of Your House by Nick Barratt
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A chance to find out more about your house being old or new be your own house detective.
The Means of Naming by Stephen Wilson
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This looks at the nature and naming rules and practices used in Western Europe.
Using Wills from the Public Records Office
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Using Navy Records by the Public Records Office
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How to Tape Instant Oral Bioraphies by Bill Zimmerman
You can Write Your Family History by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
Have you ever thought that your Family History was better than any novel ? Here is your chance on how to put down your family History on paper.
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Interview tips on how recall family stories.
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The Family Reunion Sourcebook by Edith Wagner
You have spent years reasearching your family tree and extended family and now you plan your family reunion. This book is full of advise to make sure it is a success.
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buy these at www.amazon.co.uk
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Awsome thank you for the tips.
Book store here I come!
Daniel Kosmayer
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Daniel - Hope you are getting into Amazon by clicking the shop icon at the top of the page, next to "Search rootschat", that way it helps Rootschat.
Lizzie
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Many thanks for this list of books, any help no matter in what form is truly of great use. Like many others on RootsChat, I love doing my family research, while its not easy, it is very rewarding.
So (((hugs))) and thank you again....cheers Summers :)
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Can I add this to the list of books:
A must-have for beginners researching Scots ancestors is "Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry" by Kathleen B. Cory. ISBN 0-7486-6215-4
Anne
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nice books,shame i cannot afford them
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nice books,shame i cannot afford them
Use your local Library 8)
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your right should of relised,sorry for my posting
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have made a note of one of these already
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your right should of relised,sorry for my posting
Hello familyman,
No need to apologise 8) How many people can afford books these days ??? I find that scouring charity shops for books of local interest can be very rewarding and well worth
the effort. People sometimes donate real treasures to their local charity shop.
Christopher
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You could also try http://www.abebooks.co.uk/
I've picked up some brilliant local history books from there for a matter of a couple of pounds. Really great site.
Kerry
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You could also try http://www.abebooks.co.uk/
I've picked up some brilliant local history books from there for a matter of a couple of pounds. Really great site.
Kerry
ok made a note of that also thanks everyone ;)
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There's also:
www.ukbookworld.com
And, of course:
www.ebay.co.uk
As well as books on local history techniques and family history, there are some excellent opportunities to buy books on local areas (eg. just bought one called 'Dudley and the Black Country 1760 to 1860'). *I know this isn't of interest to everyone, but it illustatrates what is available.
Paulene :)
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A few others for the list:
A Dictionary of Medical and Related Terms for the Family Historian by Joan E Grundy
A Dictionary of Old Trades, Titles and Occupations by Colin Waters
Family Photographs 1860 - 1945 by Robert Pols
Paulene :)
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Another one that I am currently after:
The Phillimore Atlas and Index of Parish Registers
Kerry
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Yes. that's a really useful one, Kerry.
Just thought, mustn't forget 'The Parish Chest' by W. E. Tate.
Paulene :)
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Another one that I am currently after:
The Phillimore Atlas and Index of Parish Registers
Kerry
I have a spare copy of the first edition of Phillimores Atlas and Index.
If it is of any use to you, it's yours. PM me with your address and I shall post it
Cheers
Guy
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google books has a lot of free stuff and should help rootschat by having a link on the forum :D
http://books.google.co.uk/bkshp?hl=en&tab=wp
They highlight the places, names of interest and let you search the book also for pages of interest. Some books can be downloaded for free and others will tell you what library has them. :D
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Look at car boot sales
I managed to pick up Ancestral Trails by Mark Herber for £1.00 2nd edition 2004
Didn't look as if had ever been opened
Person selling said it had come via a book club but it doesn't look like a book club edition, they are usually marked a club edition
Steve
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That was a lucky find Steve
Another place I check regularly are local charity shops, we have several in the town where I live and its amazing what you can find there sometimes ;D ;D
Kerry
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Yes, kerry. I found a pile of old copies of Family Tree Magazine - priced 14p per copy.
Paulene :)
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That's a bit cheaper than when I bought them from the newsagent ::) ::)
Kerry
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Hi All
I have found "The Genealogist's Internet" by Peter Christian, publisher The National Archives, extremely useful for helping with searching the web. I am a bit surprised that I cannot find a reference to it when I searched Rootschat.
Good hunting
Gobbo
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Great thread. I noticed the first posting was from 2003. Has anyone updated this book list since then?
I usually rely on my local library, charity shops or used book stores to purchase or obtain books. Amazing what one can find in a used book store. :) :) Local library patrons can make requests to the library system to purchase "books of general interest" which include genealogy.
yn9man
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Hi All
I have found "The Genealogist's Internet" by Peter Christian, publisher The National Archives, extremely useful for helping with searching the web. I am a bit surprised that I cannot find a reference to it when I searched Rootschat.
Good hunting
Gobbo
Hello Gobbo,
Here's a link to "The Genealogist's Internet" www.spub.co.uk/tgi3
Christopher
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Hi Christopher
Here's a link to "The Genealogist's Internet" www.spub.co.uk/tgi3
Thank you very much - I did not know of this link.
All the best
Gobbo
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Try "The Genealogists Internet" by Peter Christian
This book was a Christmas present a couple of years ago and got me hooked.
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:)I just love rootschat site, this thread has some great links for books and other sites.....pure brilliant 'Thank You'
Like others I often visit our local Charity Shops, and have found some great books to help my research.
And my local Library.....aahh!! sometimes I nearly get locked in...lol.... :)cheers Summers
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Is the list up to date? It's highly readable in itself. On Amazon and Abe's List I found a lot of sources' this one is general but perhaps useful, "The Organized Family Historian: How to File, Manage, and Protect Your Genealogical Research and Heirlooms." (National Genealogical Society Guides) by Ann Fleming.
I'm embarking, meaning beginning work in the Cobbledick family so I'm doing this from the ground up.
Cheers,
Scribener
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I got one for Christmas "How to trace your family history on the internet" published by Readers Digest.It starts you off from scratch and also comes with a cd!!It's helped me a lot with being a total beginner!!!!
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I am trying to find a book called "The Ancient History of the Distinguished Surname Beesley "
Can't find it, can anyone help ??
Many thanks
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Hi Gemstone
Have you tried www.abebooks.co.uk
Kerry
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Thanks Kerryb
But, no luck there either.
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I've found "The Family Tree Detective: A manual for tracing your ancestors in England and Wales," by Colin D. Rogers, really helpful.
(Also the Cumbrian Archive Service's book: "Cumbrian Ancestors; Notes for Genealogical Searchers," is really useful if you're searching in Westmorland!)
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Hi brendar7639
Welcome to rootschat :)
Heather
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love that book
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wow! I didn't realise how many books existed about family history!
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now I just have to work out where to start! :)
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My niece has just started a holiday job in a secondhand bookshop and keeps finding local history books I would like. I wonder if her boss has put her on commission! ;D
Kerry
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Great list, thanks for putting it together
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thanks for sharing.
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Another one that I am currently after:
The Phillimore Atlas and Index of Parish Registers
Kerry
Im also after that book. Theres a copy in our local RO. It is so useful.
David.
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Also before I forget. A book comparison site. I never buy a book online without consulting it first.
www.bookkoob.co.uk
David.
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Looks like my christmas list sorted. ;D
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"of interest to everyone" researching Welsh ancestors:
"Parish Registers of Wales" Williams & Watts-Williams, pub National Library of Wales ISBN 1-86225-022-7, 1st ed 1986, excellent introduction, maps, list of surviving registers and where they are kept. My copy £5 ;D ;D
Pinot
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Thanks you for your post! I really like reading all of your suggested books but I don't know where can I find them to read or where can I buy them. I have just read "Family Names and Family History" by David Hey. It is very wonderful. Family names are an essential part of everyone's personal history. The story of their evolution is integral to family history and fascinationg in its own right. Formed from first names, place names, nicknames and occupations, names allow us to trace the movements of our ancestors from the middle ages to to the present day. David Hey shows how, when and where families firs got their names, and proves that most families stayed close to their places of origin. Settlement patterns and family groupings can be traced back towards their origins by using national and local records. Family Names and Family History tells everyone interested in tracing their own name how to set about doing so.
Moderator Comment: most of this book is available to read here on ==> Google books (http://books.google.de/books?id=VqzHmppBcl4C&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22Family+Names+and+Family+History%22&source=bl&ots=gxG4mTTBMm&sig=xwij6Sm1t0jnCFZR9YtxukIvHGo&hl=de&ei=S-CpTJKFI8fHswaXxJGwDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false)
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Thanks for the list - some interesting reading here.
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More books found in the library (probably all available on Inter-Library loan if you don't want to or can't buy them)
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Migration Records: a guide for Family Historians
published by The National Archives 2006, 12 GBP (then !)
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Tracing your Ancestors in the TNA
'the website' and Beyond
Amanda Bevin, TNA, 7th Edition, 19.99 GBP (then!)
This looks like a good way of finding out what is available and how to access it.
Having a book in your hands is probably easier than reading the Help pages on the site :)
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Another good book from TNA, whch -clever me ! - I forgot to write the title down, was about the census and how to "interpret" the information, and use it to get further than the basic details seen on the census images. Complete with some case histories, including Charles Darwin.
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I don't think they do Inter-Library loans across the Channel, so I'll just have to wait till my next visit to England ..... :(
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Truly this thread is amazing with all the books mentioned and other links excellent...And this time of year you can put a book on your Christmas list..and maybe friends/family members can group together with the costs, knowing that you will be getting one very special present.
Wishing all members who are researching their 'Roots' Seasons Greetings from Summers house to yours. :)
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Which book would everyone recommend getting a friend who is new to genealogy for Christmas?
Thanks
Louise
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Hi Louise
If your relative is an internet user "The Genealogist's Internet" (4th edition) by Peter Christian (about £15.00). This edition was published in Feb 2009 so it should be reasonably up to date.
All the best
Gobbo
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A Bargain for someone...
http//cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170568538646&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
Sold
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Fantastic list! Thanks!
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This is really useful for a beginner like me - so thank you
Batitha
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Hi,
My Postscript catalogue (a firm that deals with remainders and publisher's overstocks) arrived today and The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History edited by David Hey is on the list at £9.99 reduced from £25.00.
They also deal with the Remainders from the National Archives and so have quite a few of their books as well.
Their website is www.psbooks.co.uk
Brie
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Great list - thanks
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There's so much good stuff out there. You would really struggle to narrow it down to 8-10 books!
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I have two books; DEAD AND BURIED IN DUBLIN and THE END - GRAVES OF IRISH WRITERS both by Ray Bateson. If anyone would like me to look someone up please don't hesitate to ask.
Best wishes Eileen
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Hi :)
I'm only new here.
Thanks for such a great thread for newbies like me to all this. :)
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your right should of relised,sorry for my posting
Hello familyman,
No need to apologise 8) How many people can afford books these days ??? I find that scouring charity shops for books of local interest can be very rewarding and well worth
the effort. People sometimes donate real treasures to their local charity shop.
Christopher
also try Abe Books.co.uk. They are very cheap, even including P&P
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I usually rely on my local library, charity shops or used book stores to purchase or obtain books. Amazing what one can find in a used book store.
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Hi All
For a few days recently I have been receiving notifications for this thread that "A reply has been posted to a topic you are watching by" xxxx. About three minutes later I receive "A topic you are watching has been split into two or more topics by" yyyy. I can never find the reply when I look for it. Is this happening to anybody else and can anyone please explain what is going on?
All the best
Gobbo
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A spammer posted on this topic,
hence: "A reply has been posted to a topic you are watching by XXX"
The spam posting was removed,
hence: "A topic you are watching has been split into two or more topics by XXX"
the spam post was then sent Quarantine until it could be dealt with and later deleted.
Bob
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Thank you Bob - that explains it and why I could never find XXXX
All the best
Gobbo
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Thanks for the book recommends, will definitely be ordering a few of them.
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Thanks for the amazing list of resources!
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me too
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Very helpful book recommendations, thanks.
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This book has been mentioned elsewhere on RC....
Pre-1841 Censuses & Population Listings in the British Isles (Paperback)
By Colin R Chapman
available from www.thebookdepository.co.uk for £12.12 (free postage). The book is a US import, so could take about a week to arrive.
This book does not contain the actual pre-1841 data, but it does tell you which towns and villages had censuses pre-1841 that contain actual names. It also suggests other lists which would contain names, and in all cases it tells you where this data is stored. A very useful book, especially for the beginner.
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Just as an additional note:
The author Colin Chapman is the man responsible for the Chapman County Codes
more here: Topic: Chapman County Codes / BS 6879:1987
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,19831
Bob
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Very helpful list.
Thanks
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Very helpful list.
Thanks
agreed - thanks for the list!
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Totally Agree. V useful
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Thank you for that!