I am often asked which books people should buy to help them with their genealogy. The answer always depends on how experienced they are, but here is a list of my top ten books with comments as to who might find them most useful.

If you agree or disagree or think I have missed out on some of your all time favourites then go to the Madaboutgenealogy Form (link top left hand side of home page) and tell us what you think!

“Beginning Your Family History” by George Pelling. £4.50

This is a great little book for those who want to know more abot genealogy, but aren’t sure they will want to stick with the hobby for more than a month or two. Available from the Society of Genealogists online book stall. To buy click here

“Ancestral Trails” by Mark D Heber. £14.34

This book is the genealogists bible. Those who have more than a passing interest in the subject should seriously consider buying this book. The first few chapters make interesting reading then it is a case of reading whichever chapter regarding the records you need to be consulting next. To buy click here.

“The Phillimore’s Atlas & Index”. £35 approx.

Not much point in tracing your ancestors if you have no idea where they lived! This book is usually to be found in most libraries, but there is nothing like having you own copy. The county maps show each parish, the date the registers started and which church jurisdiction  it came under. This might sound dull, but is of great use to the family historian. If your ancestors disappear from one parish try the one next door! You may find it hard to find a new copy of this book, but it is worth while searching for a second hand copy.

Click here to see if a 2nd hand copy is available.

“Google Your Family Tree” by Daniel M Lynch $39.95 australian

This book is a recent addition to my book shelf. I bought a copy one behalf of my local genealogy society as the reviews were good. Trouble was that I had to hand it over to them to place in their library!! The book won’t tell you how to trace your family history, but it will help you improve the way you search for suitable websites on the internet. My search technique has definitely improved and I have found many sites that I may not have come across using my old research ways. Always something new to learn. This book seems to have sold out, but I have tracked down some copies from Gould Books, Australia. I am sure it will go into reprint shortly.

Click here to buy.

“Journeys in Family History” by David Hey £9.31

This book looks a bit like a coffee table book, all gloss, but no substance, however this is far from the truth. Actually anything that is written by David Hey is worth reading. It’s glossy, has lovely old photos and pictures and is published on top quality paper. At £9.31 it’s a bargain!! For newbies or those with 30 years experience this book has something new to teach. Think seriously about buying a copy before it goes out of print or the price goes up!!

Click here to buy