Genealogy Books

I have found this an amazing tool for tracing my ancestors. I found the County Parish maps pre-1832 a great help. This is a definate must for Genealogy buffs.

Contrary to the availablity information provided here, this book is not out of print.

It is an absolute MUST HAVE if you're doing UK genealogical research! It provides maps to the parish boundaries for each of the counties of England,Wales and now Scotland. Each county map showing parish boundaries for England and Wales is placed next to a historical map for that same county. This provides an excellent opportunity to locate parishes in a historical context.

The real gem of this book is the information on the location of parish records. For each parish, the extant dates of the records available for that parish are given as well as the location of where those records may be consulted.

An outstanding reference work for UK genealogy.

This book is well worth the price. I started using an older version at a local library, but really needed something for home use. So I ordered the 2003 version and am completely delighted. The newer version added an overall map of the UK at the beginning and has added Scotland. Each map is "pre-1832 parishes and a topographical map from James Bell's A New and Comprehensive Gazetteer of England and Wales of 1834". And for someone doing a lot of work in Yorkshire, they have it divided into the 3 regions, East Riding, West Riding and North Riding. The only thing I would like the next version to include is an index of every little town and village and what parish it is in. Probably would double the price and thickness of the book, but what a treasure that would be.

This book is a compendium of information about parish registersin England -- a vital resource if you are doing genealogical researchin the UK.

A wonderful book and comprehensive, I already have used a few recipes and they work really well, would highly recommend it , full of good ideas.

In this astonishing book you will find remedies for almost any ailment or condition you can think of in one of four sections: Health, Beauty, Home & Pet Care.

Find out how and why the remedy works, the ingredients you need and how to make the remedy.

Great stuff. Full review on our site.

I highly recommend this book. It is very comprehensive and easy to read. Every health or home-care issue I've thought of that I'd like a natural remedy to seems to be addressed in this book. The remedies are all simple to do/create. The layout also is very user-friendly and colorful.

This beautifully illustrated book provides valuable information on natural remedies for health, beauty, home and pet care. The chapter Natural Health Remedies contains information on herbal teas, compresses and quick tips on improving one's well-being. Natural Beauty tells the reader how to make creams, masks, shampoos, massage oils, bath salts, aftershaves and lip balms from natural products. Natural House and Garden explains how to make your own air fresheners, furniture polishes, kitchen and bathroom cleaners and garden sprays from environmentally friendly ingredients. Natural Pet Care provides hints, tips and information on remedies with natural ingredients to keep the cat and the dog healthy and happy and to treat common ailments of pets. The text is enhanced by full colour illustrations and the book concludes with a list of resources and an index.

I own several books that deal with Heritage page design etc. This is definately one of the best. I looked at libraries and bookstores before purchasing this. It is the first one I bought in this category and still the one I go back to most often out of about 15 I own. Highly recommended.

I just got this book and I spent an entire evening going over every page. It inspries you to not just put pictures on a page, but tell a story behind them. She urges you to write about the sad times as well as the good ones. The page she did about being another Laura's namesake has inspired me to do one about the Aunt I am named for, and another one about my Grandmother's beautful blue eyes. Collect the stories, get the pictures and this book.. then enjoy creating a legacy that can be enjoyed by those who come after us.

I bought this book because of the wide variety of scrapbook techinques especially dealing with antiquing and aging scrapbook pages. I was surprised by the number of good ideas on how to scrapbook my grandparents.

This is a very nicely put together book. The layouts are interesting and the ideas for scrapbooking your families history through photos and memorabilia are easy to manage. The author is knowledgable and you can really make some lovely looking pages with her suggestions and ideas. Not the best book on this subject, but certainly worth the price!

This is a fabulous book. I happened to see a documentary on PBS about this family. So after watching it, I checked out Amazon to see if there was a book, also. I ordered the book and read it in 1 day. I could not put it down. Highly recommended!!

I really don't like to read...let alone do a report on something that I have read! I don't know why, but I actually like doing it for this book...... It has some really funny, sad, and just odd things in it. I mean who would have a pet goat as a kid? I am in Highschool and lots of my friends and teachers were all dying to read this book. I would sit in class and read bits and pieces and the kids around me would always want to hear more...it was weird! Stuff like having a boxing ring in the front yard, or ten sisters sleeping in one bed not knowing who wet the bed in the morning...for some reason that sparked their interest???? Then there was the sad stuff in the book that was described in detail. It really made me learn a lot more then I already knew about these ladies, it's like stepping into their shoes (although they didn't wear them too often) I really like the book, after I read it there were just soo many things to tell about it in the report I did for my sophmore English class that it ended up getting an "A"...which is odd for me! :) This book is great...there are just soo many things to like about it, so many stories. The part I really like about the book though was that sometimes the sisters had different view points about the story, it was kinda neat to see what each one said about certain things...if they remembered or included it. And living in Iowa, it was a big highlight of my life...not many things can do that here! thanx-AM

Courage comes at an early age... these women had it in 1942 and even today display that same courage. As I know each one of these women personnally, my review may be a bit biased...but anyone that reads this work will see that I am only telling the facts. Each sister is a remarkable work of art. This book is a true "Love story" about "Family" and the meaning it gives to our lives. "Divided" as a family at such an early age has given great meaning to "togetherness" as each sister worked their way from mid 20th Century to present day.... Their style of writing is free and bold as they tell of perceptions and feelings. Just to get ten sisters to sit down and author a book together is almost fiction. Yet again their spirit of "one for all" won out, and I, a reader won too. This book is "true LIFE" at its worst, and best

I became interested in "Ten Sisters" when I noticed that the story took place in my home state of Illinois, but specifically central Illinois. I just graduated from EIU which is located in Charleston and just next door to Mattoon. Reading about the Waggoners in those towns was such a joy, but meeting nine of the sisters was an even greater honor. They signed my book at the mall in Mattoon and were extremely gracious at my interest in their stories. I wasn't able to finish the novel before I met them, but even so, reading the chapters after I had met the authors gave the book a personal touch. I was in disbelief at some of the personal trials they went through. It is amazing that any of them survived so much heartache and uncertainty! My favorite aspect of the book is how Jenny and the older sisters wrote about the same period of time, but by the time you get to Vera's, Audrey's, and Doris' chapters, you are set in a completely different timeframe with completely different lifestyles. It is amazing how so many different stories come out of one very close, very special family. They told me that they will be coming out with an audio version of the book and they'll be featured in a popular women's magazine in Nov. or Dec. I'll be sure to check it out, and you should too!

This detailed book that contains 6000 heavily interpreted personal names is likely the biggest book collection of African personal names. Just as with his other books on names, written quite recently, Musere goes into dedicated detail in showing aspects like the origin of the name and the meanings (which can be one or many). A lot of the names are shown to be associated with aspects like proverbs, significant occurences and traditions. African names are shown to be unique in that analyzing them provides a wealth of information concerning cultural practice, migration, and assimilation. This is a study and naming guide that gives detailed examples of God/ Goddess, war, natural phenomena, and season related personal names. Many are examples of names that depict the behavioral characteristics, physiological or physical condition of the newborn. Indeed many African names illustrate the state of mind of the namer, states of bereavement or jubilation, and so forth. This book is heavily referenced and indexed unlike most other books on African names.

"...the topic [of personal African names] is sufficiently rarely treated as to merit close attention. ...[The book's] introduction is a splendidly informative essay. In it [Musere] explores the origins of African names. Just as we have many names revealing the activities of our ancestors, such as Archer, Fisher, Smith, Taylor and many others, the same applies to African names. [Musere] gives examples such as canoe builders, executioners, rain-makers and cattle-keepers. The reverence for human relationships is perpetuated in many names, while a variety of birds, animals, fish, trees and other natural phenomena are the bases for others. Africa has long been one of my favourite continents and I have numbered many Africans among friends. ...Musisi means "earthquake" and...Bukenya means someone who acts ungraciously or reluctantly. ...Musere's book is packed with information and it is easy to consult. It is equipped with a useful index, so you can be directed to all those names derived, say from eating and harvesting, lakes and
roads, trees, witchcraft and a host of other topics and activities." K.C. Harrison, Founder President, Commonwealth Library Association in "Languages and Literature" Reference Reviews 14/5 [2000] 29-36.

"'A thorough exposure of African name meanings encourages and stimulates people of both African and non-African descent into feeling comfortable about taking on such names.' ...such as Sindushwa (I cannot be surpassed); Mbarushimana (God is on my side); Nkurunziza (Good news). ...Okot (Born during the rainy season). ...This is a fascinating book. ...it certainly brings home the fact, of which I was previously unaware, that the uses and the choices of names have quite different connotations and expectations in different societies." (Sheila Allcock, University of Oxford, in "African Research & Documentation" No. 85, 2001).

"Some examples are 'Libbila (m): setting sun; [name] given to one born at sunset'; 'Kimenyi (m): the one who knows a lot'; 'Shumpa (f): a name given to a child who is troublesome'; 'Baliza (f/m): they cause to weep [or mourn, or cry].' The 6000 [name] examples [in the book] are fascinating to read, and will most certainly open up a new area in the field of nomenclature. In addition, an interesting index will lead the user to specific works found in the definitions, such as lakes, plants, gardens, and food. This is an impressive volume and should fill a void in the area of etymology. It is highly recommended." (Carol Willsey Bell in "C&RL News," May 2000, pp.428-429).

Until the publication of this book, it has been extremely difficult to find any primer that collects and defines the meanings of African names in English. Africa is a continent with thousands of cultures, traditions and languages. Names are part and parcel of the enriched African tradition. Unlike other parts of the world, virtually every African indigenous name has a distinct meaning or connotation. African personal names run into the thousands, if not millions. Therefore, it would be next to impossible to compile a comprehensive thesaurus of all these names, let alone their synonyms. The book compiles about 6000 names from key central, eastern and southern African countries, such as Burundi, Congo-Kinshasa, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Although the compilation of African names is not entirely a new phenomenon, what distinguishes this book from previous ones is its simplicity in name descriptions and definitions. This volume looks at the in-depth meaning of indigenous as well as adopted African names. African personal names have multitudinous functions such as the association of one's occupation, habits and personality. Many African names emanate from one's ancestry through clan, ethnic/tribal or religious affiliation. Names can also be named as the result of ancient wars and conquests. Since most of these names emanate from the "Bantuphone" region of east, central and southern Africa, it is not uncommon for many of these names to have a similar meaning albeit different pronounciations. A word such as Muntu connotes a person, but actually is derived from the ancestry of people in this region. It is therefore least surprising that the word, "ntu" is common amongst most ethnic groups in the region. For example, a word such as "Gahungu" which denotes a small or young boy, has a similar connotation amongsts the Hutu, Tutsi, as well as the Twa ethnic groups of Rwanda and Burundi. The author also includes new African words that have been adopted from Western political as well as cultural contexts. For example, the word, "Democracy" in most African contexts is pronounced as, "Demokrasi." Like other African names given to people during a certain historical phenomenon, this word has been given to some newborns born during the current democratic struggle on the continent. The alphabetical listings of these names as well as its well-prepared index will be very helpful to those that are not familiar with African appellations. This book is highly recommended for scholars and students of African anthropology, linguistics, literature, history, politics as well as those in the African/Black diaspora that are very interested in learning more about African culture.

Stein, owner of insignia-maker Ira Green Inc. and the author of "U.S. Army Heraldic Crests", has produced another excellent reference for the militaria collector.
After a brief but useful essay on the history and manufacture of Army patches, the author proceeds to the heart of the work; the depiction of over 1500 patches in full color, with accompanying notes giving a brief history and current location of the unit, the design and wear dates of the emblem, campaign credits and unit decorations. With abbreviations, glossary, bibliography, and an excellent index, Stein's work will serve as a standard reference for patch collectors. The only notable shortcoming is a lack of information on reproduction patches, a number of which are depicted without comment.

(The "score" rating is an unfortunately ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)

This book was a worthwhile addition to my library! It is absolutely fascinating!

I like both reading about the units and the look at plates showing the patches. It gives a very good overview.

As a novice collector, I found this book to be an excellent resource to fill in a lot of missing blanks regarding actual unit names, where they were located and when. I highly recommend this book.

This is still the most engaging and comprehensive book on re-connecting with you family of origin. Marvelously researched and documented of a broad range of fascinating family histories.

This is a wonderful book. You won't see many family therapy jargons here. Insead, Monica McGoldrick delicately uses famous people's biographic stories to illustrate the complex intergenerational family systems dynamics. Ths book is easy to read. It is suitable for various kinds of readers. If you want to explore into your family history to better aware of what impacts your family have on you, this is for you. The book offers a lot of lively examples and tips on how to construct your own family genograms. You will experience the incredible power of the family systems, and also the intertwined influence of larger social-cultural-historical context. if you are a family/marriage counselor, the book is a necessary resource for you when you are dealing with the clients' family of origin issues. If you are simply insterested to delve into famous people's lives, the book also can satisfy your curiousity. It explains how family patterns accross generations would shape those people's personality characteristics and relationship patterns. I highly recommend this book to all mental health practitioners, and all who want to improve your life and get a better understanding of yourself!

This is an incredible book, and a must have for anyone who is planning on researching their family history. The book demonstrates several family trees of famous people, and they are accompanied by their stories of loss, emotional abuse, and relationship patterns and coincidences. Each chapter also ends with a series of questions designed to help the readers uncover their family history and secrets from their family. It is a fun, inspirational, and informative book accessible to all readers.

McGoldrick examined many of the central concepts of Bowens systems theory and how these concepts are illustrated vividly from many historical families. The book offers a ethnographic lively application of family therapy concepts! It is a must read for students of family therapy.

Another good book by this author. Clear presentation. Explanations regarding each written family history approach -- reasons why one would pick one over the other. If you want to read someone who explains succinctly but fully ... this book is a winner

But I've never read one of Sharon Debartolo Carmack's books that wasn't! You can depend on her.

One of the best sources of genealogical information for future generations are the recorded family histories provided by our elders before they pass into history. Recorded family histories are ideal sources for 'the story behind the story' of how people met, fell in love, came to be married, of their failures and successes, their losses and their gains, the anecdotal stories of living through 'interesting times'. But these family stories don't record themselves. That's why Sharon DeBartolo Carmack has written an instructive and thoroughly 'user friendly' guide to recording our family histories in the do-it-yourself instructional manual "You Can Write Your Family History". Every aspect of the process is covered, from selecting the bet type of family history to write; to deciding on a theme; to conducting efficient research with the goal of fleshing out a narrative; to putting subjects into the context of relevant social history; to the actual work of getting the words down on paper and preserved. Every aspiring and practicing genealogist, as well as non-specialist general readers wanting to preserve the stories of their parents and grandparents for the benefit of their children and grandchildren, should read "You Can Write Your Family History".

I have been wanting to write a family history on my family's deli for almost 12 years. School and other priorties have gotten in the way. After the passing of my grandmother last year (one of the founders of the deli) I figured that this is the year I would like to start. It is now or never.
This book is very easy to read. It has a step-by-step process to gathering data and unlocking your inner writer through a narrative non-fiction. She makes writing sound so easy and provides good, and not so good, examples of writing family history to get information across.
I didn't realize how time consuming this type of writing was going to be so a realistic time line is suggested so that everything is researched and not fictionalized.
I truly recommend this as your first guide to collecting data. She recommends others throughout the book.

This text is a blueprint for getting your family history on paper. I belong to a family history writing group that grew out of our local genealogy group in Oakland, California, The African American Genealogy Society of Northern California (AAGSNC). Our group, some writers, some not, wanted to get our families' stories and histories on paper and into print to hand down to future generations but was having a difficult time in how to go about doing it. The method used in this volume makes it simple; one step at a time, one story at a time.

Excellent tips on bringing characters to life, collecting social history, and organizing one's data is included. In chapter ten, there is an excellent example of showing vs. telling as we looked at Gay Talese's storytelling of his family, in particular in his description of his grandmother. You could see the lace collar and smell her perfume by his use of language. I also appreciated that the information applies to writers of family history no matter if one is writing a history, a memoir/bio or fictionalizing their family history. The methods are direct and painless and our group is producing some wonderful stories that will be handed down through generations.

I found this book to be a valuable resource in putting together my history. The questions and organization was invaluable in putting together my thoughts and recalling memories I haven't thought about in years.

Comprehsensive and fun questions that are in a great format that makes it easy to record your, or your relatives moments through their lives. Could use more space for photographs. Highly recommended as a gift.

Our family purchased a few of the Your Story book for our older relatives. We've collected 4 books back so far and we are now treating these books as family treasures. Thanks

Your Story was given to me as a Christmas gift, and I've spent many enjoyable hours recalling memories and thoughts that were generated by the interview questions.

Pre-writing my responses on a separate sheet of paper, and then re-writing my edited responses into Your Story helped me have enough room for some of my more lengthy responses. Kind of a hassle, but worth it!

I am happy to see that I can now give other family members this book as a gift.

Compiled and organized by Elaine Morrison Fitch, The 1848 Boston Cultivator: Marriages, Deaths, And Miscellaneous Readings presents articles abstracted from the Boston Cultivator weekly newspaper, carefully arranged in chronological order for the year 1848. A straightforward presentation accurately indexed for quick reference, The 1848 Boston Cultivator is a superb primary source for genealogists, historians, and non-specialist general readers curious to read anecdotes of life and death in a bygone era of American history.

This book is a terrific read for the history buff! Reading the stories truly brought 1848 America to life for me. It was nice to have all the information in chronological order as you read through them. There is a wealth of information in this book. It has a huge index with over 8,000 names making it easy for those people researching family histories. I particularly enjoyed reading the articles concerning westward expansion. It is incredible to relive those moments recounted in this book. An enjoyable and informative read!
Highly recommended to anyone interested in history, society or genealogy. Can't wait for her next one!

This is a truly excellent resource for anyone doing research on this time period, you just cannot find this information anywhere else. There are thousands of names in it. This book has birth, marriage and death announcements for the entire New England area for 1848. I found the stories so interesting, actual accounts of shipwrecks, fires, accidents and crime as they were reported in 1848. I highly recommed this book!