Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace

by Elizabeth Shown Mills

Eight years have passed since the first edition of Evidence Explained, the definitive guide to the citation and analysis of historical sources--a guide so thorough that it leaves nothing to chance. Yet advances in genealogy and history research, changes at major repositories and online information providers, and the ever-evolving electronic world have generated new citation and analysis challenges for researchers. While countless websites now suggest ways to identify their offerings, few of those address the analytical needs of a researcher concerned with the nature and provenance of web material, whose numerous incarnations and transformations often affect the reliability of their content.

Like the previous editions of Evidence Explained, the third edition explains citation principles for both traditional and nontraditional sources; includes more than 1,000 citation models for virtually every source type; and shows readers where to go to find their sources and how to describe and evaluate them. It contains many new citation models, updates to websites, and descriptions and evaluations of numerous contemporary materials not included in earlier editions.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, History, Writing, Research, Unfinished

892 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Michael Mendenhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't exactly "read" this book. It's massive for sure. If you're a serious genealogist, you probably already own this book. I like books that talk about documentation and evidence. This author obviously has a high appreciation for it. Read the introductory material. It's terrific.

[Brad Garton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an invaluable book for genealogists. This book has much of the material from the previous work by this Author (Evidence! Citation and Analysis for the Family historian) The book is broken up into several parts. In general the first two chapters give a good overview of modern genealogy research, particularly citing sources used. The second part covers specifics of citing the many varied sources genealogists are likely to encounter. There is a quick sheet overview of the forms in each section, followed by detailed explanations for each type of source. This book should be used as a reference book, and consulted when the source type is encountered in your research. The book also serves indirectly as a good guide to what records might be available to further your research.

My only complaint is that the book leaves out of international sections, Swedish records.

[DearMYRTLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased two copies of this book, one to mark and one to keep in "great" condition.

I am underlining, circling, adding sticky notes and such to assist in assimilating what Mrs. Mills has put forth in this definitive work.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book you read from cover to cover. That said, the recommendation is to read the first two chapters thoroughly, which I feel was a good use of my time. The remainder of the book is a well-organized, well-thought out presentation of how to cite various sources of information - those written, digital, audio, and online. There are excellent explanations of why certain parts of a citation are placed where they are and how they are and numerous wonderful examples. Though I have only begun using this reference, it is apparent to me that my appreciation of it will only grow as I learn from using it. My only complaint is the huge size of the book (almost 900 pages) but I can honestly say, I can't imagine how it could have been done in fewer words.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent citation manual. Those who have used the Chicago Manual of Style or Turabian will find this work has many similarities, but it is geared to the genealogist. Of the over 800 pages most of it is on the theory of citing with extensive excellent examples. The first chapter covers the elements of evidence for genealogists. It is a must have for citing.

[Missy LeBlanc Ivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive book for sourcing all and any kind of information found regarding genealogy. I love this book! It's indispensable. I wish I had purchased this book back in 2007 when it was originally published. I have the 3rd printing, 2015 edition.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE go-to book for all genealogists!

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evidence Explained is the expanded version of Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian , also written by Ms. Mills. It is an exhaustive style guide dealing with citations for history and genealogical research.

Even though the opening chapters were basically a revision of Evidence!, they weren't as readable as that book. I think this was because of the style guide formatting, with numbered sections.

However, for anyone who would like to cite images on a webserver or books on microfilm, even sound recordings held by the national archives as well as more regular source material, this manual is a treasure trove of information. Not only does it describe citation formats, but also the important things to consider about the materials themselves.

For example, when citing the US census, some things to consider are whether the material referenced is the local or national copy, whether it is an index or not, and whether film, book, or website.

Definitely an excellent reference book for anyone citing history sources.

[Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book serves as a thorough look into the need for and methodology of source citation for those of us who are researching family history. I must admit I skimmed through the latter parts of it but did a very focused read of the first few chapters. I find this book's content to be essential to improving my skills in citing sources. It is a guide that I will frequently go back to as I continue my family research. Elizabeth Shown Mills is an inspiration to me and I highly recommend that anyone who has an opportunity to attend her presentations in person be the first one at the door!

[Amberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this book since the revised edition came out in 2017. I've used it a lot. I've skimmed, I've studied various sections, I've used the index, but what I hadn't done previously was actually read the first two chapters start to finish. Wow! They are excellent. A must-read for all genealogists. I think I will also make these a must-re-read item each year or so. An excellent reference book and a must-have item for all serious genealogists.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have book for the modern aspiring Genealogist. Covers citations for all evidence, DNA tests to Quilts.

[Tamara Suttle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a family researcher hobbyist for a decade before I understood the importance of documenting sources for my research in a consistent, clear, and methodical way. Up until then, I just grabbed and recorded everything I heard, read, or learned about my family - never giving a second thought to the accuracy or context in which I was getting those "facts."

Only when I began recognizing conflicting stories, dates, "facts," did I start to question where those things came from . . . who they came from . . . and if I had even misunderstood or inaccurately recorded the information I had gathered. And, then things got REALLY CONFUSING!

Fast forward 25 years later and I am still trying to disentangle the mess of "facts" from that first decade. And, all of this is to say that Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace by Elizabeth Shown Mills has proven to be invaluable. It is a massive (almost 800 pages!) of detailed instructions and examples of how to document sources in a uniform and thorough manner that then allows you and other researchers to see exactly how and where information was obtained. It is thorough, easy and quick to use, and offers both the hobbyist and professional genealogist a thoughtful guide of best practices for allowing your research to be evaluated and built upon in a responsible and useful way.

Highly recommend this reference book for every family researcher.

[Kim Phillips-Sasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly, this is not a book you actually read cover to cover. It is, however, the standard reference for anyone serious about their genealogical research. Having finally gotten my hands on it, I understand why.

It's unfortunate that nearly every discussion of this book is in the context of formatting citations, making it sound like a genealogical version of a Style Guide. It does indeed spell out the citation format for nearly every source imaginable, but it also has a fantastic opening section that really changed my perspective on "evidence."

The citation formats are handy but honestly, it's the commentary from ESM that made me want to buy myself a personal copy sooner rather than later.

Clarksville-Habersham County Library
Requested via PINES
Also available in Genea Reference Room - Washington Library, Macon GA

[Carol Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have purchased several reference type books for genealogists. Evidence Explained (2007) continues to be my favorite. The text helps one identify and understand record types. There is a handy evidence analysis chart inside the front cover. Each section is brief, yet full of valuable information. Explanation and instruction pages begin each section followed by Quick Check Models on gray pages (necessary for formating approved style citations). The Appendices is an invaluable help for this 816-page volume. It has a permanent home on my computer desk so that I can refer back to it when I write up my reports. I recommend this text to all budding and experienced genealogists who want to improve their writing or begin keeping better records.

[KitKatGenie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the #1 most used reference book for citations. I have it stored on my iphone and tablet; the first edition (signed by Elizabeth Shown Mills) is displayed prominently on my bookshelf. I take the digital PDF version with me on all my research trips. The Author is a top-notch genealogist, speaker, teacher, editor, and writer in the genealogy field and is a fabulous lady to know. This book is a MUST-have for anyone doing family history. But you don't just "read" this book and then put it away; it is a REFERENCE book that you will use over and over and over again.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more of a reference than a how-to book, but once you become acquainted with the book you begin to learn the underlying principals of citations in general. The first two chapters are a must read -- and probably should be read twice. The front matter of each source category should also always be consulted before citing a specific source type in the broader source category. Finally, the wealth of examples throughout the book are super valuable.

[Steve B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Highly overrated. “Evidence Explained, 4th Edition” is excessively complicated, and confusing. It’s extremely long and makes a good doorstop. It pretends to be the definitive source on citing genealogical sources but completely fails at that. I recently came across another book, “Simple Citations for Genealogical Sources,” which is not only a lot easier to use but is written by a real academic. That book has finally made my life a little easier.

[Londi · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This is one of my textbooks. I did not actually read the entire thing from front to back. What I have read for my classes, so far, is what I am basing my review on.)

Evidence Explained has suggestions on how to cite things I never thought I would need to cite. Evidence Explained has some more specific to genealogy for citing sources, which is what I'm going to school for. This book is a great reference for that.

[Kristal Cravener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evidence Explained (EE) is an industry standard for every professional genealogist to have at hand.

If it is your first time exploring EE's pages you may find it easiest to start by reading chapters 1 & 2.

The rest of the book provides information to understand the selected sources and provides templates to give the reader an idea of what a source citation might look like.

[Kathy Buhrman · Rating 5 out of 5]

First published twenty years ago. This updated edition is an indispensable and valuable go to book for any genealogist or family history researcher's bookshelf. I recommend all her books for anyone researching and compiling their family history.

[Melinda D. Culpon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sits on my desk to reference each week.

[Robyn Choate · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a very tedious topic, the book is helpful. A bit confusing but overall helpful

[Kbord · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reference book is the genealogist's citation Bible. It's based in Chicago Manual of Style but goes into information you need to record for genealogy research.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crucial book for any genealogical research/ writing

[Holly Sammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The genealogist's bible. This and the Chicago Manual are never out of reach.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shown-Mills delivers an extremely comprehensive and user-friendly guide to citing any kind of primary source imaginable. A must have for serious genealogists.

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hefty tome - all 892 pages. Besides being an essential book for any genealogist's shelf, it makes a good doorstop (like Mark Bittman's cookbooks). I belong to a group called "Genealogy Do-Over", where we are re-researching our ancestors and making sure that we are doing it right, including proper citations. One of our assignments this month was to read the first two chapters of this book, since the first two chapters give you the overview of the premise of proper citations. All chapters after that are references to items to be cited and how to create the citation to it.

The wonderful thing about Ms. Mills is that she constantly cautions the reader and genealogists that we needn't stress over whether every single item is proper. Learn the basics and then create a citation following certain rules. Then make sure that every citation to your item (birth certificate, death certificate, military records, emails, are the same from that point on. You want to make sure that anyone who relies on your work and those that come after you can find the same item in the future.

This is an essential book. Every genealogist should own the most recent copy (currently 3rd edition).

[Kathy KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are trying to improve your skills at citing sources for anything, this is worth the read. Although it's designed for genealogists and historians, Mills includes so much about research and citations that you can't help but learn. I now feel much more confident with my project to clean up my citations in Roots Magic! (I've used three different genealogical programs since the 70s and my skills have changed. There's a lot that need cleaning up!)

The only problem is how thick this volume is; it's great for quick reference, but if you want to read the whole thing to reinforce the important instructions, plus learn more about some sources, then it's REALLY intimidating! I actually received two different editions from family before I got around to reading this... and it's been superceded! The info is still good; I guess I'll be asking for the newer edition at Christmas, again!

[Amberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

In preparation for a genealogical writing course, I carefully studied chapters one and two again. I also studied various chapters that were relevant to the course homework assignments. This is a reference book that I use regularly. It is essential for all genealogists. Excellent reference book.

What I wrote about this book 8 June 2019:
I have had this book since the revised edition came out in 2017. I've used it a lot. I've skimmed, I've studied various sections, I've used the index, but what I hadn't done previously was actually read the first two chapters start to finish. Wow! They are excellent. A must-read for all genealogists. I think I will also make these a must-re-read item each year or so. An excellent reference book and a must-have item for all serious genealogists.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad to have this reference book on my shelf now! I will use it for every lineage report, proof summary, and client report I ever write from here on out.

How do I cite an entry from an online indexed database extracted from a microfilm copy of an original parish register held at a County Records office? This book will tell me. Genealogical reference citations are so complex, you need a specialized guide to tell you how to correctly document sources.

My one caveat - I wish it were easier to locate the type of citation I need. It's just so complex!