Product Description

Genealogists and other historical researchers have valued the first two editions of this work, often referred to as "the genealogist's bible." The new edition continues that tradition. Intended as a handbook and a guide to selecting, locating, and using appropriate primary and secondary resources, The Source also functions as an instructional tool for novice genealogists and a refresher course for experienced researchers. More than 30 experts in this field--genealogists, historians, librarians, and archivists--prepared the 20 signed chapters, which are well written, easy to read, and include many helpful hints for getting the most out of whatever information is acquired. Each chapter ends with an extensive bibliography and is further enriched by tables, black-and-white illustrations, and examples of documents. Eight appendixes include the expected contact information for groups and institutions that persons studying genealogy and history need to find.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #36393 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 992 pages

From Booklist
Genealogists and other historical researchers have valued the first two editions (1984, 1997) of this work, often referred to as "the genealogist's bible." The new edition continues that tradition, and many libraries will want to acquire it. This time around, technological advances have drastically altered genealogical research. Computers and the Internet make many sources more accessible and more easily searched, and genetic data has entered the scene.

Intended as a handbook and a guide to selecting, locating, and using appropriate primary and secondary sources, The Source also functions as an instructional tool for novice genealogists and a refresher course for experienced researchers. More than 30 experts in this field--genealogists, historians, librarians, and archivists--prepared the 20 signed chapters, which are well written, easy to read, and include many helpful hints for getting the most out of whatever information is acquired. For example, the undated photograph on page 9 of a Mexican village can be roughly dated by knowing that the volcano in the background was active for only a few years, 1943-52.

There are four new chapters: "Computers and Technology," "General Reference and Guides," "Colonial English Research," and "Colonial Spanish Borderland Research." Three chapters were rewritten ("Business, Institution and Organization Records," "Church Records," and "African-American Research"), and all of the others have been updated to reflect new sources and new techniques. Each chapter ends with an extensive bibliography and is further enriched by tables, black-and-white illustrations, and examples of documents. Eight appendixes include the expected contact information for groups and institutions that persons studying genealogy and history need to find, such as family associations, historical societies, and archives.

Any library serving patrons interested in local history or genealogy will want to add this new edition to its collection. Sally Jane
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Midwest Book Review
Now in a newly revised edition, The Source: A Guidebook Of American Genealogy continues to be the primary reference work in its field. This new edition of The Source is intended to identify and describe the rich body of original research now available, and to facilitate the use of these so that family history can be preserved and enjoyed. Every chapter in this edition has been updated and fine-tuned based on the past 14 years of continuing research and scholarship. Because of the dramatic changes that have taken place in the field of genealogical research several chapters have been completely revised and two new chapters added ("Twentieth-Century Research" and "The Foundations of Family History Research". Whether a novice genealogist just starting out, or an experienced expert with years in the field, The Source is a "must" for all personal, genealogical society, and public library collections.

Review
"The role of The Source is to take much of the complexity out of the family history process. It is both a handbook and a guide to the primary sources of genealogy; an extraordinary resource of genealogical knowledge, without peer in the fields of family history and genealogy. It is a one-volume library of genealogical research knowledge."

Customer Reviews

Perspective of The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy (Third Edition)
The Source: A Guidebook Of American Genealogy (Third Edition) If you are at all seriously interested in doing genealogical or family history research, this book should be in your library - and should definitely not sit on the shelf. I've been studying, learning about and doing this kind of research for seven years and in that period have read countless books, watched lots of videos, worked through many tutorials and spent hours and hours looking for my ancestral and family connections. I have found The Source to be absolutely the best repository of information about where to find the sources, how to do the work, and - especially - how to use the Internet in this work. Chapters are written by experts in the areas covered, the material is well written and the editors have done an outstanding job of putting it all together in a way that makes sense and flows. There is so much wisdom and information here I find myself taking notes as I read. Absolutely great! A "must have" for serious genealogists - and for anyone really wanting to learn how to find the people in their families who have gone before and left a legacy that helps define who we are.

Genealogy
This book is an excellent source for genealogical investigation.

My only complaint is that it arrived slightly damaged (a crushed front cover corner).

A very useful book
This is a very good book. It has more information on more subjects and record sources than any other book I know. It is generally very easy to understand and apply, but I found, when I used it to teach a correspondence class on American research, that it was a bit overwhelming for the beginning student. It is expensive, but its contents justify its price, and everyone who takes American genealogical research seriously should own this book.