Genealogy

Family names are an essential part of everyone's personal history. The story of their evolution is integral to family history and fascinationg in its own right. Formed from first names, place names, nicknames and occupations, names allow us to trace the movements of our ancestors from the middle ages to to the present day. David Hey shows how, when and where families firs got their names, and proves that most families stayed close to their places of origin. Settlement patterns and family groupings can be traced back towards their o... read more

Find out what your surname means and trace your ancestors who share it too. Perhaps your surname is that of a Norman who came to Britain after the Battle of Hastings; or a Celtic clan name. Maybe it is an old English trade. It may be distinctive of a particular location. And just possibly you might be related to everyone who bears the name. Find out! Your surname is part of you - so use this book to discover what it really means. This comprehensive book will show you how to research your surname and your family tree, both in earli... read more

The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History is the most authoritative guide available to all things associated with the family and local history of the British Isles. It provides practical and contextual information for anyone enquiring into their English, Irish, Scottish, or Welsh origins and for anyone working in genealogical research, or the social history of the British Isles. This fully revised and updated edition contains over 2,000 entries from adoption to World War records. Recommended web links for many entries are ac... read more

Dabbling in family history is a pastime anyone of any age can enjoy, but the massive proliferation of websites, magazines and books in recent years can baffle the would-be genealogist to a standstill. This is an ideal introduction to the tools and processes of researching your past. It will teach you how to get the most information from living relatives, how to negotiate the vast quantities of census data with ease, and the best way to store, catalogue and present the information you discover. "Family History for Beginners" will al... read more

For anyone with a fascination about where they have come from and an urge to begin sleuthing, Need to Know? Tracing Your Family History shows you where to start and how to progress on the journey through your own past. Both practical and entertaining, Need to Know? Tracing Your Family History is the essential beginner's guide to unravelling the mystery of your family's origins. With invaluable tips, advice and information from professional genealogist Anthony Adolph, navigating your way through the wealth of governmental, religiou... read more

With the ever-growing enthusiasm for genealogy and social history, Remembering, on the practice and use of oral history, and incorporating a variety of examples of presenting oral histories in print, will have eager readers. As well as the chapters on a wide range of particular cases, it explores some of the general issues that arise for those embarking on oral histories, such as confidentiality, transcribing from oral to written form, and the particular situation of Maori oral history. The 11 different authors have all had conside... read more

You do not need to be a descendant of distinguished forebears to create a venerable family tree. Anyone equipped with enthusiasm and patience can track their ancestry and make connections with long-lost living relatives. No matter what your cultural background, or how little you know about your family, The Genealogy Handbook will help you enjoy this exciting adventure.

Finding out about your ancestors and family history is now easier than ever. You can search on the internet, or employ a professional genealogist in to do all the digging for you But doing it yourself is often the most rewarding and fascinating method, but it can still be a confusing and complicated business. Where is the best place to start? Which records are the most reliable? And where can you expect to find in formation about the history of your community or your home? Discovering more about family, ancestry or the area you gre... read more

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There is a wealth of data on the Web for those researching a family tree. However, the sheer volume of information and diversity of websites can make starting your search confusing and time-consuming. Help is at hand with this clear and authoritative guide from the National Archives.

"The Encyclopedia of Surnames" is not just another dictionary! With entertaining coverage of more than 7,000 surnames listed alphabetically, it provides a complete and accessible companion to tracing the history of names. Written by John Ayto, a respected lexicographer and author of titles such as "Word Origins", "The Encyclopedia of Surnames" is the ideal gift or research tool for historians, journalists, genealogists, researchers and anyone interested in tracing their family history. Broad coverage includes supplementary features... read more

This invaluable reference work will answer all of your questions regarding finding out information on your lineage.

The market for family history has never been stronger.
The phenomenally successful television series "Who Do You Think You Are?" made many people consider the subject for the first time. Nick Barratt, the man behind the interactive strand of the series, now brings his expertise to this practical, lively and well-researched book, which will open the door to the fascinating world of genealogy. Accessible and clearly presented, and underpinned by a wealth of knowledge and experience, this book gives you everything you need to k... read more

Essential reading for anyone interested in tracing his or her family tree, this quick guide has been written by a leading authority on family history and offers many suggestions on how to conduct research.

The Essential Guide to Tracing Your Family History This book is the essential bible for anyone with an interest in discovering more about their family history. It may be that you simply want to track down the heroes and villains in your past; or perhaps you want to trace your whole lineage back to William the Conqueror; you might want to produce an elaborately drawn family tree to pass on to your living relatives. Whatever the extent of your interest, this is the book for you. Packed full of information on everything from wher... read more

Have you ever wondered what surprises there are in your family tree? It's never been easier to become a detective and find out - thanks to technology.The internet is one of the most essential tools in the family historian's kit, but without the right know-how, it can be a bewildering experience. "How to Trace Your Family History on the Internet" guides you through the maze of online sources, directing you to the facts, figures, dates and stories relevant to your search. No matter how much - or how little - you already know about yo... read more