Genealogy: Essential Research Methods

by Helen Osborn

This book is the ideal companion for anybody researching their family tree. It provides advice and inspiration on methods and problem-solving and helps the amateur family historian understand what successful professionals do to get results, and why we should copy them. Over ten chapters, it examines the various themes that affect the success or failure of all genealogy research. This begins with an overview of common challenges genealogists encounter and continues with an examination of how to both search effectively and find the right documentary sources. Using examples from her own family history as well as client work, teacher and professional genealogist Helen Osborn demonstrates how to get the most from documents, analyze problems and build research plans. These subjects lead on to recording results, how to ensure relationships are correctly proved, organizing information and presenting your findings. Although the book deals mainly with research in England and Wales, the skills taught are easily transferable to research in other countries. This book will be particularly valuable to anyone who is stuck with their research, in addition to those who are keen to learn about advanced skills and methods used by genealogists

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, History

272 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2012

Reviews

[Magda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down ! I am taking a course with Helen and her approach to genealogy is so logical, yet inspiring. I bought her book as I wanted to learn more about her technique and I have it so dog-eared already from rereading many sections. Now I approach my Family history work very differently because of her course, and this book. I am able to make sense of twenty-five years of my work because of this genealogy text. It says "essential" in the title but it goes into great depths.

[John Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good basic guide with a UK-centric approach. Good advice for a beginner but nothing new. There are several pages covering a record source checklist that has many questions to help you in augmenting your plan and finding those tricky answers. The author is definitely very knowledgeable and would probably be a great in person mentor.

[Thomas Ridley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book focussing on practical skills in researching one’s ancestry. Filled with good advice on how to effectively interrogate historical records, how to document and cite your work and the importance of tracking negative results, along with much, much more! An excellent companion for anyone who has just started to explore their family history.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full from cover to cover of priceless information and tips on how to research and record your findings. It is a big read, a tough for me to digest at once. Would suggest reading in smaller chunks and then going back to re-read relevant sections when necessary. Would recommend for all levels of genealogists

[Jennifer Homeyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for reference

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful guide, full of tips and explanations. Worth a read.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really useful book on how to search properly for your ancestors = and how to cite your sources so that you don't go back over and over the same areas all the time.

[Amanda Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

genie reseach etc

[Vicki Heneker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant guide for anyone wanting to learn how to cite your sources when carrying out genealogy. Although initially the book looked suspiciously like a text book (which is is!), I found it very readable, in fact I couldn't put it down. Of course, the subject won't be for everyone, but it gives good examples, including of course the somewhat confusing citations regarding online information. I am ready to read the book again. I didn't at any time find it heavy going. As a reference book, I will be definitely keeping this on my desk, and ready for use when carrying out my family history research, and when writing my blog.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book really inspiring and made me return to my family history research with fresh eyes. I have read a few family history guides but this one takes a very different approach. The emphasis is on proof and sources and using proper scholarly standards in your research-and how to take things further. But it is by no means dry or dull. There are plenty of great examples from Helen Osborn' s own research and the writing is clear and accessible. There are also lots of really useful recommendations of books, websites and places to look for information that I would not have thought of.

[Anders Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has become one of the core texts if you are undertaking your family history. Whilst a potentially dry subject, this book explains in an interesting and clear way the crucial techniques you need to understand if you are to undertake genealogy in a methodical and thorough way. Using real examples from the author's own research, this book will help you think afresh on how you do your own research and make you cover all of the bases in ensuring you have a clear and traceable family history.

[Sue Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the basics of genealogy taking the reader through to more advanced techniques.