The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy, 2nd Edition

Contains a lot of helpful common sense tips that will prevent future headaches. A lot of well thought out suggestions and tips too.

I especially like how when they suggest you talk to your extended family and interview them for genealogy information that you be patient with them and let them tell their stories. A lot of well-mannered tips like these are what elevate this book to excellence.

A lot of the confusing aspects of genealogical research such as document requests and providing proof and evidence are well covered.

I highly recommend this book for the beginner to intermediate level genealogist.


If you buy only one genealogy book, buy this one!   May 10, 1999
 38 out of 38 found this review helpful

I bought this book when I hadn't yet done any research at all about my family history. A year and a half later, I have a file drawer full of information, and I have needed no other reference. I also bought a book called The Source,which is supposed to be the 'genealogist's bible', and it has been a giant paperweight in comparison. Idiot's genealogy is full of the kind of practical information that can carry you through years of research. Happy hunting!!!


A fabulous reference   October 14, 1999
 32 out of 32 found this review helpful

I used this book as a reference when I was writing The Family Tree Detective (my children's book about genealogy). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy is sensational. The authors make a lot of potentially complex material easy to understand. They also write in a fun-to-read style: something that you don't always find in genealogy books! This is definitely a book you'll want to add to your genealogy library.


Wonderful Book   May 16, 2001
 22 out of 23 found this review helpful

This is a wonderful book. It is very helpful and knowledgeable tool. It was very helpful for beginners like me. It provides definitions for words you may come across in your searches, "Pedigree Pitfalls" which are tips on how to avoid setbacks in your researching. Christine Rose and Kay Germain Ingalls are very knowledgeable and very experienced professional genealogists who instead of providing facts and info on genealogy, provided you with examples and experiences they had encountered. They provide their own opinion on how to best search for your information. They also expressed the need to cite your sources. I gave this book 5 stars because itr is a wonderful and fully enjoyable research tool.


Best presented 'how-to' book on genealogy   April 23, 1999
 21 out of 23 found this review helpful

This book is not just for beginners! Every researcher should read this book to keep them on track in their family history research. The material is very entertaining as well as informative. I recommend this book at every class or seminar I teach.