Reviews (17)

Really Great Book
If you want to know the history of your parents or grand parents on a more personal level this is a great book to have. It would be nice to have a CD included to type on the computer, because not everyone has the best hand writing

Book ?'s Too Focused on Emotional Rather Than Factual Data
I bought this book for my 62-year-old mother and my 95-year-old great-aunt to fill out so that I could keep a written document of their memories.Both separately told me the same thing - that the book asked far too personal of questions. Neither was willing to fill it out.It asked questions about their feelings about their childhood, feelings about marriage, etc.I had not wanted to record their feelings, but rather more historical type of data such as the cost of bread, the local scenery when it was all orchards, etc.If the book were full of more factually-based questions as opposed to emotionally-based, it would be more suitable.
A Beautiful Way to Preserve Memories
My grandparents are elderly.One evening my grandfather was recounting an interesting story about his father that we had never heard before - it suddenly dawned on me that there may be many more wonderful stories that we may never hear.I searched and searched for a journal or diary that they could use to preserve these memories and stumbled across this Journal.First of all it is a beautiful hard-bound book - truly a keepsake.Inside is is divided into logical sections and provides a good mix of questions as well as space for additional thoughts, pictures or memories.I really liked that it had questions that covered all parts of my grandparents lives (i.e. growing up, high school, college, military etc) - they don't have to fill out every section - but at least it gives them some guidance.I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in preserving their family history.A beautiful gift. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blank Books / Diaries / Memory Books    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Genealogy    6. General    7. Inspiration & Personal Growth    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Reference   

Editorial Review

Strong is the urge to write one's life story as a keepsake for oneself and one's family. The difficulty is knowing where to start, and then where to go from there. Carl and David Marshall, a grandfather-grandson team, have created a fine and fun do-it-yourself autobiography. The cover of the journal-sized Read more

Reviews (29)

This book is a hit with my mother and relatives!
For my mother's 60th birthday, she told me she'd like to reflect on her life thus far. I'd seen books of this nature, in which the reader can fill out question to create an easy autobiography. After using reading lots of different reviews on these types of books, The Book of Myself stood out with the best ratings. I bought the book from another bookstore, and from just skimming through the book I loved its questions. Finally, I presented it to my mother at her birthday dinner. She beamed with excitement when I explained the nature of the book, and she repeatedly said it's just what she wanted. After the dinner, she immediately called her sisters and told them about the book. They said they would like one for a christmas present, and eventually have all their siblings fill out the book. In light of other deaths in the family, my elders were seeking ways to preserve their memories. They're looking forward to discussing the questions as a group, and recalling all the chapters of their lives. Also, my mom told her co-worker about the book, who in turn wanted one for herself! "You see," my mother said, "this book you gave me is really taking off."
Only for the clueless
I bought this book to help my grandmother write the story of her very difficult and inspiring life, and it was useless. I didn't even bother giving it to her. The questions are so generic and vanilla; no one could write an interesting story with this as a guide.

A wonderful gift to give.
A gift for all ages.It says you are worth listenig to. The questions evoke pictures in one's mind making it easy to begin the journey. These are questions that one may need to share or just for private reflection.
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Subjects:  1. Autobiography    2. Blank Books / Diaries / Memory Books    3. Diaries    4. Genealogy    5. General    6. Journal Writing    7. Self-Help    8. Self-Help / General   

Editorial Review

"Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood," writes Frank McCourt in Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Ethnic Cultures - General    6. Genealogy    7. General    8. Historical - General    9. Ireland    10. Irish Americans    11. Limerick (Limerick)    12. Biography & Autobiography / General    13. Biography: general   

Reviews (10)

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.

URGENT!**SHOP AROUND FOR PRICE!**
I got this book from a reseller, A1, via B&Ns site, for about 35 bucks. NO 'sourcing fee'. 4 bucks shipping. There's no excuse for the price gouging from whomever is selling this via Amazon. Hope you get to see this review! I searched on google with 'The Source, szucs, third' for the edition. I love Amazon but this time they didn't get the best price.

One "Source" for all
The Source (3rd Ed.), a reference book for individuals as well as research collections,provides huge amounts of materials for amateur as well as professional genealogists.In fact, in and of itself, it gives a history of the people who were and are "America."
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Subjects:  1. Archival resources    2. Genealogy    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Reference    5. United States   

Reviews (4)

Courthouse Records
This book gives a lot of great information and tips for research at court houses.It is up to date and thorough, and a great help to researchers.

Not Bad......... But NOt Great
This would make a nice gift. However, most of this information ..... if not all of it can be found on the internet.

Excellent Reference
Everything a family historian needs to fully utilize records available at the courthouse.Excellent organization and packed with clear and complete explanations of how to find the many different resources hiding in the different departments.Anyone who has ever been intimidated by a courthouse will appreciate this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Court records    2. Genealogy    3. Law    4. Methodology    5. Reference    6. Reference / Genealogy    7. Research    8. United States   

Reviews (8)

The Handybook for Genealogists : United States of America (10th Edition
I was led to believe it contained other information. Although helpful in a sense I didn't realize it was a list of places to go for information in certain areas. Not a list of geneological information.

HandyBook purchased from RavenRing
I ordered this book the evening of 5/31/06, I expected to get it at least 3 weeks later but I received it in the mail on 6/05/06. Five days from order to receipt, and the book was new as advertised in beautiful shape. RavenRing really did an outstanding job on this order and they are to be commended. I would definitely order from them again.

RavenRing
A shrink-wrapped, perfectly new book as advertised.Delivered with astounding promptness! This was great service!Bett ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genealogy    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Reference    4. United States   

Subjects:  1. Genealogy    2. Reference    3. Rank & titles   

Reviews (4)

First Family of the Gilded Age
This book is wonderful, I really could not put it down.The pictures are exquisite and the text is highly informative.The Vanderbilts may have not always been happy, but by God they did enjoy their money.Unlike many of the Gilded Age American aristocrats, like the Rockefeller's and Carnegie, the Vanderbilts where not ashamed of their money and they wanted to show it off...granted they do not have the lofty philanthropic legacy of the Rockefeller's or Andrew Carnegie, but they did give us wonderful estates and a taste of what it was like to be fabulously wealthy at this amazing time, they lived like French nobility before the Revolution, and to this day when you list the ten greatest American mansions, you can bet that the Vanderbilts will be well represented.This book captures all of this and more...if you have any interest in this Age or this family or quite frankly interesting people and good writing then you will enjoy this book, it really is a five star book.

Vanderbuilding with the Vanderbilts
If you are a fan of the Vanderbilts or of the Gilded Era, this book is a must.I have to admitt that I own lots of coffee table books.Usually, I just look at the pictures, read the captions, but never a word of the text.This book caught my attention from the start.It's a wonderful history of the Vanderbilt family, although not too heavily involved.I found that the family tree charts were loads of help while reading the book ... with such a large family it would be easy to forget who's who. Splendour Aplenty!
This book serves a myriad of purposes.If you are interested in turn of the century architecture, this book is for you.If you are interested in the social mores of the day, this book is for you.If you are interested in the Vanderbilt familiy in particular, and America's aristocracy in general, this book is for you.With hundreds of wonderful photos and illustrations, and an objective account of the history of one of America's richest families, "The Vanderbilts" takes the reader back to an era of nonchalant decadence.A time when prosperity was the plaything of the gods, and the gods were called Vanderbilt, and were lead by "The Commodore".America today is enriched by the spoils of their success, boasting some of the best in arcitecture and art collections.The family who gave us Grand Central Station, The Metropolitan Opera, and a good deal of the exhibited contents of the Met Museum also provide us with a fascinating tale of the rise and reign (and stumbles and pratfalls along the way) of American royalty. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Genealogy    5. Historical - U.S.    6. Homes and haunts    7. Mansions    8. United States    9. Vanderbilt family    10. Biography & Autobiography / General    11. Family history   

Reviews (6)

The first book to buy on Italian records
This was the first book I bought on Italian genealogy several years ago and it is still the best source for understanding Italian records. Using the form letters I have been successful in obtaining information from a variety of Italian sources. What is especially useful is the balance between the how to chapters and the background on the records. Highly recommended.

Only in Italy, Only in America
Thank heavens this book came into my life as a dedicated heritage researcher, first generation Italo-American.Since I am alone in this, as are many out there I have founf doing this, I especially appreciated the wonderful sources, shortcuts, and information given to the noviate, although anyone can learn something from this complete guide.A great addition to the literature.

This Is It!
For those of you in search of your Italian heritage need look no further. Everything you need is right here in this relatively cheap book written by, get this, a non-Italian! Whether you just want to get your grandparents birth records from the 1890's or go all the way back to the 1700's to get your 5th great grandparents marriage record, this book will tell you how, in easy step by step instructions. Can't read or write in Italian? Mr. Cole's book does that for you, too. Don't know your Italian history? Guess what? Mr. Cole does, and he shares it with you in his book. Read more

Subjects:  1. Genealogy    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Italian Americans    4. Italy    5. Reference    6. Research    7. Family history   

Reviews (22)

Fascinating
This is a most interesting book.I am 75 years old and grew up in Los Angeles, visiting Chinatownmany times, and knew nothing of the people who lived there, so it was particularly interesting to me.I have read other books by Lisa See and find her to be an excellent writer.I highly recommend this book, especially to people interested in the history of California.

Skip this one but enjoy her others...
I absolutely loved two of Lisa See's other novels: "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" and "Dragon Bones" and recommend both of them highly - she is an incredibly talented writer.
Even After A Couple of Years, A Memorable Read
It has been a couple of years since I read this book, but it lives on in my memory as one of the best I've ever read. I took up an interest in Chinese history several years ago, when starting the process to adopt my first daughter from China. Now I read of nothing else. On Gold Mountain was an interesting, entertaining and highly informative relative to the drivers and experience of the Chinese as they came to and struggled to thrive in the United States. I've loaned this book to friends who now also share my passion for Chinese history and have stashed it away for both my daughters (both from China) to read when they are old enough. I've just also finished See's "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" (excellent) and am moving on to "Flower Net". And next year, when we are in Southern California, I plan to visit the See's Chinese antiques business. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asians In The U.S.    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. California    7. Chinese Americans    8. Family    9. Historical - General    10. Seay family    11. See, Lisa    12. United States - 19th Century    13. United States - 20th Century    14. Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Editorial Review

Continuing the sweeping narrative that he began withRead more

Reviews (12)

Rothschild the world's banker
A very complete book, a mine of facts but the author was unable to sort what is important from miscellaneous. The mix of general european history, business history and family events is by moments as indigestible as porridge por a non-scot.

Way too detailed
This book was just way too detailed for me. It contains lots of facts and figures about biz transactions but it is just too much. It was to the point of who cares? Niall Ferguson really did his home work as far as that is concerned but it made the book boring. To me it felt like it was written by an accountant. It is the story behind the facts and figures and how they came about which make for interesting reading. But I have to give him credit for the time he spent putting this book together is unimaginable.
Disappointed:
I agree with one of the critics that the book had many facts and details that broke up the pace of the book for me. Ferguson presumes that the reader knows a fair amount about bonds, consuls and other financial mechanisms. He would have done well to slow down a bit and explain a few of the terms and concepts.And I think that Ferguson tells an utterly superficial and innocuous history of the Family. Long awkward sentences make for labored reading. That having been said, this was no doubt a delicate and ambitious undertaking. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Banks & Banking    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Business/Economics    5. Europe - General    6. History - General History    7. Rich & Famous    8. 20th century    9. Banking    10. Biography & Autobiography / Rich & Famous    11. Biography: general    12. Family history    13. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (7)

A Must Have
A must have for the family historian.Gives all the details needed to figure out not only the place, but where it legally was in time.Book in excellent condition, well organized.

Still an essential tool
Even though the Internet contains a wealth of genealogical information, this book is still a valuable asset. There are so many states and counties that do not have information on-line that to ignore this resource is like ignoring road signs when you're lost.

Best genealogy book ever.
This book has been a great tool in my genealogy research materials. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genealogy    2. Reference    3. Courthouses    4. United States    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Research   

Reviews (15)

Falls short of expectations
This book is one of the better genealogy citation books on the market.I bought the book merely for examples, especially for help with new databases online.The examples that Ms. Mills gave are often hard to understand and few cover sources found on the internet.

A Must have
If you're a family historian/genealogist, this is a MUST HAVE book.As all serious genealogist know, citing your sources is one the most important aspects of giving your research the validity it deserves!This book makes it easy by giving clear and precise examples of citing sources from books, other family histories, information found on CD's, birth/death/marriage and other court records as well as citing internet sources.

Excellent Resource
I have carried this book with me everywhere I've gone to do genealogical research.Taking the time to properly cite my sources as I gather them has saved me tons of time when going back over my notes.This book is well written, and the appendix with its clear examples is what I use most. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bibliographical citations    2. Genealogy    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Reference   

Reviews (3)

The courage to speak truth to power
In these interviews Oriana Fallaci one of the most well- known journalists of the last half of the twentieth century confronted a whole host of powerful figures, including Henry Kissinger, Indira Gandhi, The Shah, Gaddafi, Arafat, Golda Meir, Deng Xiaoping. The book was published in 1976 and almost all of these leaders are no longer on the world - scene. Fallaci too through the years developed far different views than the ones she championed in this interview. In her latter years she concentrated on pointing out the danger to European Society and Civilization she felt an aggressive radical Islam presented.
interview with history
history is tradionally a slave to the powerful conquerers;it createsa perception of reality with a juandiced view.Oraina blends the present from the vantage point of hindsight looking deep into future.The CONTEPOROIES ARE PORTRAYED MAGNIficiently revealing thier weak innerselves.

Interesting
Fallaci's weaknesses are also her strengths. She's so passionate a journalist, you get a rush off her energy. But her passion also clouds her objectivity, so she seems often fanatical in her opinions and attitudes. If you want to experience the equivalent of reading an arm-waving passionate Italian, this is a worthy book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography/Autobiography    2. General    3. History - General History    4. Interviews    5. Reference    6. Statesmen    7. History   

Reviews (4)

Good Starting Point, I Hope
I am getting into geneology to see if we are related to Cotton Mather, the famous 18th century preacher involved with the Salem witch trials. There has always been a unproven rumor in my family that he is a cousin through my maternal great grandfather Mather's side of the family tree.As a result, knowing nothing about geneology, but being retired and having time to do research, maybe now is the time. I therefore bought a book with the most logical title, Geneology 101, written by an accomplished and enthusiastic geneologist of her own family, Barbera Renick, to get some general idea of how to proceed and what the ground-rules are.
Possibly the best thing of its kind
Because genealogy is possibly the most popular hobby or avocation in the U.S. today, there is no shortage of how-to books aimed at the novice - though very few of them are really useful. Still, anyone publishing a new basic textbook faces stiff competition. The more expert and experienced the author, the more accurate the information presented is going to be, and Renick is certainly a widely-known and respected author and lecturer, as well as an experienced teacher. Moreover, she combines attention to the most essential lessons in fundamental genealogical instruction with an easy, informal style, successfully walking the narrow line between textbookishness and superficial offhandedness. She expects her audience to include not only complete novices, but those who attempted unsuccessfully to carry out family research without foreknowledge of methods and sources, and also those who have picked up bits of information on the Internet and don't quite know what to do with them. Of course, any well-written text can also serve as a refresher for the experienced family researcher.
A handy and practical guide
As a member of the board of directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists, Barbara Renick brings a special expertise to Genealogy 101: How To Trace Your Family's History And Heritage. This handy and practical guide covers all of the steps of learning more about one's family, ranging from the tools available to a novice genealogist; to dealing with issues such as culture shock; and the good and bad aspects of using the internet as a resource. Genealogy 101 is strongly recommended as being a superbly organized and presented beginner's instructional manual. Also very highly recommended for the genealogical instructional reference shelf and published by Rutledge Hill Press is Online Roots: How To Discover Your Family's History And Heritage With The Power Of The Internet, the expert and collaborative effort of professional genealogists Pamela Boyer Porter and Amy Johnson Crow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genealogy    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Reference    4. United States    5. Reference / Genealogy   

Reviews (1)

A multigenerational, intrapersonal practical counseling tool
Family systems are facinating, dynamic, and multidimensional.Psycologists and counselors have developed systems for studying them.M. Bowen and Systems Theory are well linked to the development and use ofgenograms in family and individual therapy, for instance. Genogramare used in American Association of Marriage and Family Thereapistsclinical training and supervision programs, and are an important tool inthe clinical process.Medical schools and practices, genetic counselors,and even business and organizational settings find them useful.Genograms, though, have their limitations which the authors summarize well,proceeding to make a clear case for what they have developed: theMultilayered Focused Genogram (MFG).They make a graphic comparison ofcurrent genograms as normal X-ray exam, to MFG system which for them islike the hospital MRI exam, providing much more in-depth information.Actually, the MFG is a combination of the Basic Genogram, Family Map andTime Line, amplified with one or more Focused Genograms.It is aninclusive system of assessing issues in all aspects of a client's personaland multi-generational history as well as present day circumstances.I appreciate the format of the book for its clarity.In the first third,the authors address succinctly each of the three main components of MFGsusing vignettes and rationals for collecting and organizing so much dataabout the client and his or her family system.They provide practicalapplications and diagrams for the clinician's immediate use. The lasttwo thirds of the book address Focused Genograms, outlining a surprisingfifty plus possible topics of focus, and concentrate a chapter on the majorones: attachments, emotions, anger (as an important, specificallyindependent focus), gender, sexuality, romantic love and culture.Thefirst part of each of these last chapters is a guide to the constructionand uniqueness of each, while the last half gives the basic theoreticalconcepts and research that supports the inclusion of the particular topicsfor each Focused Genogram. Though the book does not pretend to be acritical review of the literature, the text is peppered with references,each chapter offers suggested reading, and includes a good bibliography ofover 225 books as well as comments on two computerized genogram programs. Neither is the book a complete exploration of the topical areas but ratheran strong overview, and therefore, would be useful to graduate students (incounseling, psychology, genetics, medicine, or business) or anyone whowanted to upgrade their current use of genograms to incorporate thismeaningful and extensive MFG tool into their counseling practice.Focused Genograms kept my interest throughout, and it was well worth mytime.I will make good use of the practical list of suggested question itcontains in every chapter with my clients starting right away. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavioral assessment    2. Charts, diagrams, etc    3. Family Psychotherapy    4. Interpersonal Relations    5. Medical    6. Medical History & Records    7. Psychology    8. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family    9. Psychotherapy - General    10. Reference    11. Technique    12. Family & relationships    13. Family history    14. Genealogy    15. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychotherapy    16. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (5)

Bits 'n Pieces are useful
I agree with Michael K Smith's in-depth review. My very short impression is: The book contains useful information, but it is short on hard advice. If you've never considered how to file information, this book would be very useful.
Family History
I found it a very informative book though a lot of the content was common sense. It doesn't hurt to be reminded of the obvious occasionally. Unfortunately, from my point of view, it was an American reference book which does not concern me in Australia. For anyone researching in America, I'm sure it would be very helpful.

A waste of my money!
What a DISAPPOINTMENT! This book is NOT for you unless you are a beginner geneaolgist.The book does NOT LIVE UP TO THE HYPE ON THE COVER!!!
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Subjects:  1. Files and filing    2. Filing systems    3. Genealogy    4. Management    5. Paperwork (Office practice)    6. Reference    7. Reference / Genealogy   

Reviews (147)

One of the best (and longest) books I have ever read
I read this book four years ago as a freshman in college. Although I've recently graduated, to this day its still a book I think about from time to time. The story is infatuating and gripping to no end. Alex Haley poured his heart into this book and as the reader, you can feel it from page to page. This is a very lengthy, yet powerful story. Alex Haley was able to eloquently transcend generations and political movements with a book that I will have to simply say, enlightened me greatly. I would definitely read it again and encourage anyone who is interested in an accurate account of the dynamics of slavery and its lasting effect on American culture today-good, bad, and ugly.

Riveting, heartwarming, infuriating
Alex Haley's moving saga of his family's history and his own journey to find their "roots" continues to thrill decades after its publication. From Kunta Kinte's childhood in Africa to the horror of American slavery, his descendents' experiences into the first years of black freedom and segregation, to Alex's own final triumph as he finds his long-lost, legendary ancestor in The Gambia, the reader is alternately moved from tears to rage to cheers.
A Life Changing Book
This book made us proud of our family heritage. As good as the mini-series was, the book is twice as good. After many years hearing his family tree being past down, Mr. Haley went on a worldwide search for more of his past. I watched the mini-series in 1977 like most of America, but found I then needed to read the book. Just the passage from West Africa to America will break ones heart, if you have a heart to break. And that only taps the surface of the cruel realities of the slave trade, and the some 10 to 100 million souls that never survived the passage. If you want to see through the eyes of our African ancestors, whatever your ethnicity, then read this masterpiece from cover-to-cover. I guarantee your life will never see things in the same light again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    6. Haley family    7. Haley, Alex    8. Kinte family    9. People of Color    10. Biography & Autobiography / People of Color   

Reviews (1)

Another Genealogy Gem
George Fraser Black, Ph.D., compiled this listing of Scottish surnames from public and other records of Scotland throughout the centuries.An impressive and detailed bibliography lists his sources.The listing includes all the variations of spelling for each name, the date when it appeared and the location, and some insights or explanation, where appropriate.The 838 page volume includes a Glossary of Obsolete or Uncommon Scots Words. This is an invaluable reference for anyone interested in Scottish genealogy. It can quickly aid the person who is unsure whether his or her ancestry is Irish or Scottish.I highly recommend this book and am proud to have it in my library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Etymology    2. History / Europe / Western    3. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    4. Reference    5. Reference / Genealogy    6. Europe - Western    7. Genealogy    8. History    9. Names, Personal    10. Scotland   

Reviews (10)

Genes
I enjoyed the book immensely.The book has good information about places that do genetic testing to trace human migration.

Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using Genetic tests to Explore your Family Tree
I think this book is a wonderful effort on a different way to approach genealogy. It is well researched, well organized, and well written.The authors both seem to know their subject very well.
Second Best Introductory Book on the Market
Genetic genealogy is a blossoming market and the number of books in this space is rapidly growing.Major books include:Seven Daughters of Eve, Adam's Curse, Trace your Roots with DNA, and DNA and Family History.
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Subjects:  1. DNA    2. Genealogy    3. Genetics    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Life Sciences - Genetics & Genomics    6. Reference    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Deoxyribonucleic acid