This week we are reviewing four great books designed to help the family historian overcome a common research stumbling block. Reading vital records, court documents, certificates, court records, and so on are a common part of genealogical research. But, how often does the researcher find words, abbreviations, or acronyms for which they are unsure of the means. These four great books can help with the genealogical research language barrier.
To read parts two and three follow these links:
What Do They Mean? Understanding Abbreviations, Words, and Acronyms in Research; 1 of 4
What Do They Mean? Understanding Abbreviations, Words, and Acronyms in Research; 3 of 4
What Do They Mean? Understanding Abbreviations, Words, and Acronyms in Research; 4 of 4
In this blog, we review A to Zax: A Comprehensive Dictionary for Genealogists and Historians, by Barbara Jean Evans.
Like all three of the dictionaries in this blog, A to Zax has thousands of words which are either “old fashioned” or are little used today. This dictionary includes terms in areas including:
- medical
- geographical
- foreign
- historical
- legal
- relational
- occupational
- household
- religious
- colloquial
- monetary
- ethnic
This book also sets itself apart by including nicknames and a list of Dutch given names. While there are many terms and abbreviations defined in the book, some of the entries provide an encyclopedia type entry. For example, one entry lists the Kings, Queens, and other rulers of England from 802 to 1952 broken down by house or ruling group.
A to Zax comes in at 304 pages, with two columns per page, giving a traditional dictionary style feel to the book.
Together, the four books discussed in this blog series provides the Genealogist with a fantastic reference set to words and symbols found in genealogical research: in both the field of study as well as in documents and records studied. While there is some overlap found between these books, there is plenty more unique to each.
To order copies of each book, please visit Family Roots Publishing. Or, get all four as a set and get 20% off:
Abbreviations & Acronyms: A Guide For Family Historians (Revised 2nd Edition); Family Roots Publishing Item #: TP269.
A-Zax: A Comprehensive Dictionary For Genealogists And Historians – 3rd Edition; Family Roots Publishing Item #: GE138.
What Did They Mean By That? A Dictionary of Historical and Genealogical Terms, Old and New; Family Roots Publishing Item #: HBD7169.
Ancestry’s Concise Genealogical Dictionary; Family Roots Publishing Item #: TP06X.
20% off the complete set:
Complete Genealogical Terms & Phrases Reference Set (all four of the above listed books) at 20% off. Family Roots Publishing Item #: REF001. ***Must order the set in order to receive the discount***