Series: Genealogist's Companion & Sourcebook
Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Betterway Books; 2 edition (August 26, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1558706518
ISBN-13: 978-1558706514
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 1.2 x 11 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #683,002 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #733 in Books > Reference > Genealogy #1260 in Books > Reference > Encyclopedias & Subject Guides > Antiques & Collectibles #4890 in Books > Textbooks > Reference
When I first set out to buy a book on genealogy this was the first book I purchased and am I ever glad I did! Ms. Croom's book is probably the most well organized, intelligently written and yet easy to comprehend titles on the subject of genealogy. Ms. Croom incorporates illustrative examples from her own research as well as very helpful tips and techniques. As a largely self-taught researcher this book taught me the fundamentals of what I needed to know and the greatest testimony I can give is that I still regularly refer to it seven years after buying it. I was initially skeptical of her particular emphasis on "Cluster Genealogy" but seven years of research have proved she is absolutely correct. To be honest I've been so particularly absorbed by this book I haven't bothered to pick up any of her other titles but frankly I probably should!
When I first set out to buy a book on genealogy this was the first book I purchased and am I ever glad I did! Ms. Croom's book is probably the most well organized, intelligently written and yet easy to comprehend titles on the subject of genealogy. Ms. Croom incorporates illustrative examples from her own research as well as very helpful tips and techniques. As a largely self-taught researcher this book taught me the fundamentals of what I needed to know and the greatest testimony I can give is that I still regularly refer to it seven years after buying it. I was initially skeptical of her particular emphasis on "Cluster Genealogy" but seven years of research have proved she is absolutely correct. To be honest I've been so particularly absorbed by this book I haven't bothered to pick up any of her other titles but frankly I probably should!
This is the last great book on genealogy that pre-dates internet genealogy, and therein is it's value. I am writing in 2015 about a 2003 edition, so there is no point in comparing it to a "modern book". What it can do for you is re-connect you with the rudiments of sourcing documents in the pre-digital age, which is still an important skill set in my view. This is a book a sourcing the old fashioned way and until the day comes that everything under the sun has been digitized, books like this, and this one in particular, will have value.
I like this book as there are times you will need to check out items from other states. This book has chapters of states and lists of offices with addresses, places to contact for many items that you might need. It tells you a little about the area. You probably won't use this book every day but it will be very handy when you do need it. You can continue your work. You won't have to stop and head to your library.
I found this to be the most complete and readable book I have found, but, I have not gone through a lot of the points yet. It is a very large book and I am behind in my genealogy progress because of the holidays.
This book contains a lot of information. As an new searcher I would recommend this highly. We all need a starting place.
My husband is working on the family tree and this will help in a few places he is stuck
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