Family Roots Publishing recently purchase a good stock of Jim Beidler’s The Family Tree German Genealogy Guide. We’re discounting it 30%, making it just $17.49 – through November 10, or while supplies last – whichever comes first. Following is a review of the book:
As a publisher, I really appreciate reviewing books first capture my eye with clean and clear page design (typesetting). When simple clean fonts are chosen with structured and organized page elements meeting basic design guidelines. When photos, charts, samples, and images stand out on a page as independent elements, but don’t overwhelm the page making it difficult to continue reading, this marks a respect for the reader, making the learning process easier. This clear type of design seems to be a standard at Family Tree Books. Their titles The Family Tree Guidebook To Europe: Your Essential Guide To Trace Your Genealogy In Europe, 2nd Ed. and The Family Tree Problem Solver : Tried And True Tactics For Tracing Elusive Ancestors are great examples. There is a third book published by this group, which we have not previously reviewed but is worth a look, that continues this simple but elegant design model, The Family Tree German Genealogy Guide: How To Trace Your Germanic Ancestry In Europe. Of course, its not all just about the layout. The content matters, and to that we give credit on this new German book to its author, James M. Beidler.
The Family Tree German Genealogy Guide: How To Trace Your Germanic Ancestry In Europeis your standard guide to research German ancestry. According to the cover, this book teaches you how to:
- “Retrace you German immigrant ancestors’ voyage from Europe to America
- Pinpoint the precise place in Europe your ancestors came from
- Uncover birth, marriage, death, church, census, court, military,and other records documenting your ancestors’ lives
- Access German records of your family from your own hometown
- Decipher German-language records, including unfamiliar German script
- Understand German names and naming patterns that offer research clues”
The concepts taught and examples given in this book aren’t necessarily new. However, these ideas, lessons, and tips are relatively thorough and well thought out. Putting this guide into practice in your own Germanic research would be easy, and you are very likely going to find some ideas as new to you. Plus, as a new book, all the resource lists will be fresh and up to date, including any websites.
German research has many unique challenges, which you probably already know. Taking advice from experienced researchers, such as author James M. Beidler, can only help your progress. So, whether you are new to German research, or seasoned in your own right, you may just find something new and useful in The Family Tree German Genealogy Guide: How To Trace Your Germanic Ancestry In Europe.
Contents
Introduction
Part I Linking Your Family Tree to German-Speaking Nations
Chapter 1 Your German-Speaking Heritage
Chapter 2 Identifying the German-Speaking Immigrant
Chapter 3 Pinpointing the Place of Origin
Chapter 4 The history of Germanic Lands
Part 2 Getting to Know the Old Country
Chapter 5 Understanding Germany’s Geography
Chapter 6 Language, Surnames, Given Names
Part 3 Tracing Your Family in German-Speaking Nations
Chapter 7 Civil Registration in Germany
Chapter 8 German Church Records
Chapter 9 German Census and Court Records
Chapter 10 German Military Records
Chapter 11 Printed Records
Chapter 12 German-Speaking Peoples Outside of Germany
Part 4 Advanced Sources and Strategies
Chapter 13 Putting it all Together
Chapter 14 What to Do When You Get Stuck
Appendices
Understanding German Script
Sample Letters to Request Records
Civil Record Archives in Europe
Church Archives in Germany
U.S. Genealogy Archives and Libraries
Societies: German, Genealogical, & Historical
Publications and Websites
Index
Your own copy of The Family Tree German Genealogy Guide: How To Trace Your Germanic Ancestry In Europe awaits from Family Roots Publishing.
I am trying to find all people with the surname of ELBRO has anyone come across this name.