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Generation by Generation: A Modern Approach to the Basics of Genealogy
This guide is organized according to the actual process used in genealogical Start with yourself, then move on to living family and relatives, and then move backwards in time, generation by generation. Each chapter describes a time period and the kinds of records available for that era, allowing beginners to learn about new types of records just as they need them.
The guide is divided into two parts. Part I discusses such things as relationships between family members, naming practices, genealogy software, how to review existing research, and the basics of DNA testing. Part II begins with a discussion of the major genealogy websites, and then explains the most important record categories for all generations from the present day back to the colonial ea. There are also chapters devoted to searching for the origins of American families in the records of Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, and non-English-speaking nations.
This book makes ample use of consecutive Internet screen shots to take the mystery out of online searching. And it is written by an expert genealogist and teacher who is equally conversant with traditional search methods and the digital world.
The guide is divided into two parts. Part I discusses such things as relationships between family members, naming practices, genealogy software, how to review existing research, and the basics of DNA testing. Part II begins with a discussion of the major genealogy websites, and then explains the most important record categories for all generations from the present day back to the colonial ea. There are also chapters devoted to searching for the origins of American families in the records of Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, and non-English-speaking nations.
This book makes ample use of consecutive Internet screen shots to take the mystery out of online searching. And it is written by an expert genealogist and teacher who is equally conversant with traditional search methods and the digital world.
- GenresNonfiction
170 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2023
5 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Drew Smith
6 books14 followersThere are several authors using this name.
Library of Congress Authorities: Smith, Drew (Andrew Martin), 1956-
Drew Smith has been a librarian in the Academic Services department at the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa Library since 2007.
Drew was born outside Newark, New Jersey (where his father was from) and grew up in upstate South Carolina (where his mother was from). As a child, he developed an interest in genealogy, and he began to engage in serious family history research in 1992 after the death of his favorite aunt.
Genealogical Publishing Company published his first genealogy book, Social Networking for Genealogists. His second book, co-authored with George G. Morgan, is Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques, published in 2013 by McGraw-Hill. His most recent book is Organize Your Genealogy: Strategies and Solutions for Every Researcher, published in 2016 by Family Tree Books.
In 1996, Drew founded the mailing list GENEALIB for genealogy librarians, and continues to administer it for more than 1,100 subscribers.
Drew regularly speaks at conferences and meetings of national, state, and local genealogy societies, especially on topics linking genealogy and technology. Together with George G. Morgan, Drew has been the co-host of The Genealogy Guys Podcast since September 2005.
Library of Congress Authorities: Smith, Drew (Andrew Martin), 1956-
Drew Smith has been a librarian in the Academic Services department at the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa Library since 2007.
Drew was born outside Newark, New Jersey (where his father was from) and grew up in upstate South Carolina (where his mother was from). As a child, he developed an interest in genealogy, and he began to engage in serious family history research in 1992 after the death of his favorite aunt.
Genealogical Publishing Company published his first genealogy book, Social Networking for Genealogists. His second book, co-authored with George G. Morgan, is Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques, published in 2013 by McGraw-Hill. His most recent book is Organize Your Genealogy: Strategies and Solutions for Every Researcher, published in 2016 by Family Tree Books.
In 1996, Drew founded the mailing list GENEALIB for genealogy librarians, and continues to administer it for more than 1,100 subscribers.
Drew regularly speaks at conferences and meetings of national, state, and local genealogy societies, especially on topics linking genealogy and technology. Together with George G. Morgan, Drew has been the co-host of The Genealogy Guys Podcast since September 2005.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 11, 2024
Includes everything you need to get started in genealogy. Especially helpful are the organizational suggestions.
November 18, 2024
During my library career and beyond, I've read a lot of "how to do family history/genealogy" books so that I can help others find the correct title for their skill level and other needs. This short volume is not the best of the lot, nor is anywhere near the worst. I would recommend this one for today's beginners, however, for several reasons.
The strengths of Smith's work, IMHO, is it's currency (2023 pub.), it's use of short case studies and/or examples, and the illustrations showing examples. I've always preached that we learn something new everyday and, once again, I learned a few new tidbits here; mainly it also reminded me to check some places I might have missed on some of my research lines. He does a good job of telling us which databases might have certain information and even though this might go out of date, it's a starting place and awareness tool for those researching from home.
The unique layout of this book makes it stand out from the crowd, too. Instead of taking each type of source and discussing it all it one place, Smith takes us gradually back (following standard beginning research practice) through set time periods and discusses the main sources for that time. He then moves backwards to the next period and introduces additional sources, while showing differences with those studied previously in the book. I was hesitant about this method when I started, but I now find this to be effective.
By no means is this a definitive handling of resources and their use. It's more a brief introduction to these sources and their use. I feel that it can inspire users to learn more about them with further study and practical use.
The strengths of Smith's work, IMHO, is it's currency (2023 pub.), it's use of short case studies and/or examples, and the illustrations showing examples. I've always preached that we learn something new everyday and, once again, I learned a few new tidbits here; mainly it also reminded me to check some places I might have missed on some of my research lines. He does a good job of telling us which databases might have certain information and even though this might go out of date, it's a starting place and awareness tool for those researching from home.
The unique layout of this book makes it stand out from the crowd, too. Instead of taking each type of source and discussing it all it one place, Smith takes us gradually back (following standard beginning research practice) through set time periods and discusses the main sources for that time. He then moves backwards to the next period and introduces additional sources, while showing differences with those studied previously in the book. I was hesitant about this method when I started, but I now find this to be effective.
By no means is this a definitive handling of resources and their use. It's more a brief introduction to these sources and their use. I feel that it can inspire users to learn more about them with further study and practical use.
June 27, 2023
A valuable resource for anyone interested in delving into their genealogical roots. This well-organized guide takes readers through the step-by-step process of tracing their family history, making it accessible even for beginners. The book is divided into two parts, with Part I providing essential background information on genealogy, including family relationships, naming practices, and DNA testing. Part II dives into the practical aspects of research, highlighting major genealogy websites and explaining important record categories.
June 28, 2023
Whether you're a tech-savvy individual or prefer the traditional approach, this guide caters to all. With its comprehensive coverage of genealogy software, DNA testing, and major genealogy websites, you'll find everything you need to embark on your own family history adventure.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews