Who Do You Think You Are? Encyclopedia of Genealogy
Renowned UK authority on family history, Nick Barratt, and the makers of the BBC TV series came together to produce this invaluable guide to researching your family history. Whether just starting out, or an experienced family historian this book contains all you will ever need to know. The Encyclopedia of Genealogy is an all encompassing resource to uncover those mysteries from your family past.
From the inside cover: “The ground-breaking BBC series ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ has opened up the past to reveal Ian Hislop’s military ancestors through many Imperial wars, the crippling poverty that blighted the life of Jermey Paxman’s family, and Vic Reeves’ discovery that his grandfather was a bigamist. These amazing stories have inspired thousands of people to investigate where their own ancestors came from. Now, in this comprehensive guide by the series’ genealogist, Nick Barratt, you can get expert advice on how to solve the mysteries of your own family history. The ‘Who Do You Think You Are? Encyclopedia of Genealogy’ is the perfect famaily history bible for beginners, with step-by-step explanations of the whole process – from building your family tree to the world of archives and Internet resources, from birth certificates to parish records and census returns. For more advanced researchers, the book contains a wealth of information and advice to help you dig deeper into the historical background of your ancestors. This definitive guide shows you how to unearth the truth behind your family secrets such as the scandal of illegitimacy, bigamy and criminal records, or tales of adventurers, missionaries and pioneers. As a one-stop reference book, the ‘Who Do You Think You Are? Encyclopedia of Genealogy’ gives you everything you need to unlock even the most complicated family history.”
About Nick Barratt : “Dr Nick Barratt obtained a PhD in history from King’s College London in 1996, editing the 1225 Exchequer pipe roll and several Exchequer receipt rolls from the 1220s when the National Archives: Public Record Office maintained a site at Chancery Lane. On joining the National Archives: Public Record Office at Kew later the same year as a reader adviser. Nick started work in television whilst working at the BBC as a specialist archive researcher for a number of programmes. His valuable links to the largest archival institutions in the country and expertise helped lay the foundation of the network he has in place today. This network allows Nick and his team of researchers to effectively complete projects in any archive across the country. Nick has spent time teaching subjects including the future of academic research. He continues to teach and lecture. To find out if there is a talk near you, visit speaking engagements. As well as working as a presenter, Nick is a prolific reviewer and commentator on all aspects of history, notably family history. He has worked with a variety of companies, celebrities and TV presenters often compiling their family history. From Richard Bacon to Richard Hammond, Victoria Beckham to Catherine Zeta Jones, Nick’s research has been used for all features of publicity. In 2000, Nick founded SRA (Sticks Research Agency) and currently he is the CEO.”
An excellent book that is a great read just to dip into at any time, it takes you through the basics of drawing up a research plan, building your family tree, plus an easy to use guide to archives and Internet sources. You are shown how to look for clues in birth, marriage and death certificates, plus parish records and census returns. Advice is given on getting past a dead end or taking your research deeper, from specialised military and professional records, to exploring family secrets through trial records and evidence of illegitimacy. There is a dedicated trouble-shooting section plus a complete resource list of archives, websites, name profiling, the latest DNA research techniques and much more.
A must read for anyone who enjoyed the TV series’ or people coming fresh to their search for their family history. It never ceases to spark off a conversation when spotted on your coffee table!
