This accessible, well-organized, easy-to-use beginners' guide to the world of family history is essential reading for anyone who wants to find their way into this fascinating subject. In a series of short, practical chapters Simon Fowler takes readers through all the first steps that will reveal the lives of their ancestors and the world they lived in. He looks at every aspect of research, from finding family papers and interviewing relatives, through exploring websites, archives, newspapers and directories, to all the other sources that can throw a light into the past. In a clear, straightforward way he explains how vital records of births, marriages and deaths can be used as the starting point in a sequence of eye-opening family detective work. Simon Fowler's introduction, which is founded on a career of genealogical research and writing, is an indispensable basic book for anyone entering in the field. AUTHOR: Simon Fowler is a leading authority on military and family history and a prolific writer on these subjects. He edited The National Archives' family history magazine Ancestors and he is a former editor of Family History Monthly. For nearly 20 years he was an archivist at the Public Record Office. As well as publishing many articles in magazines and journals, he has written several well-known books on military and family history topics, including Tracing Your Second World War Ancestors, The Joy of Family History, Tracing Your Army Ancestors and A Guide to Military History on the Internet. SELLING POINTS: ?Indispensible, up-to-date introduction to family history research ?Accessible, easy to use and wide ranging ?Covers archives, websites, censuses, records of births, marriages and deaths ?Full guide to researching at The National Archives and local archives ?Written by one of the leading experts in the field ?Comprehensive bibliography and list of websites ?Recommends effective research techniques ?Fully cross-referenced to other Pen uSword family history guides ILLUSTRATIONS 50 illustrations
