Printed Sources: A Guide to Published Genealogical Records

For those just beginning their family history research, the number and variety of printed sources can be overwhelming and confusing. Keeping abreast of the ever-increasing amount of new materials often proves difficult for even the seasoned researcher. This work serves as a guide through the maze of published records for beginner and expert alike. A fine line can be drawn between this publisher's classic work, The Source (1996. rev. ed.), and Printed Sources. While the first book defines and explains "original" records (e.g., censuses, vital records, etc.), this new work addresses materials that have arisen from authors' compilations and synthesis of the original data. The book opens with an essential introductory chapter that highlights categories of research, the evaluation of records, interlibrary loan, and even the Dewey Decimal system. Editor Meyerink then divides the book into four sections encompassing background information (how-to books, atlases), finding aids, printed original records, and compiled records (family histories, periodicals). Chapters, many contributed by well-known genealogists, begin with outlines of key concepts and sources to be discussed and end with helpful bibliographies. The text explains the nature and origin of a printed source?such as a church history?as well as its usefulness, what types of information it contains, and where and how one can locate sources like it. Three appendixes provide information on CD-ROMs, major U.S. genealogical libraries, and genealogical publishers and booksellers. Librarians and researchers will appreciate the depth and detail of information provided, even if their own collections do not contain so many sources. With a wealth of knowledge packed into 840 pages, this is a required purchase for all libraries.?Elaine M. Kuhn, Allen Cty. P.L., Fort Wayne
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.