Since The National Archives published the first edition of this book in 2005, family history research has changed almost out of recognition, accelerated by the widespread availability of more and more digital sources. This has coincided with an insatiable enthusiasm for family history, fuelled by television programmes such as Who do You Think You Are? There is therefore a real need for a simple, clear and authoritative path through the complexity of available UK source material for the family historian. This book is intended to do just that.
Its author is well qualified, with considerable experience as a professional family history researcher based at the Family History Record Centre. He adopts a friendly and encouraging stance throughout to instil confidence in those new to tracing their family history. The first chapter introduces the reader to essential personal resources. The ten tips for interviewing elderly relatives is an excellent example of the author's practical, yet human, approach. Predictably, the main body of the text concentrates on the principal and vital information sources such as birth, marriage and death certificates, probate records and the census returns. We are reminded throughout of the shortcomings of information even in official records. For instance, it was not uncommon for a father's name to be invented on a marriage certificate to overcome the stigma of illegitimacy. He reminds readers that the amount of information required changed over time. A mother's maiden name was not required to register a birth until 1911 in England and Wales. We are also informed that although civil registration came later to Scotland much more useful information was demanded for birth, marriage and death certificates there.
Military records, photographic material, newspapers and migration records are dealt with in subsequent chapters. It is a pity that there was no room for professional directories and lists of alumnae from older universities such as Cambridge and Glasgow. The section on newspapers is slightly disappointing. Where the work falls down is in its account of newspaper collections. The British Newspaper Archive is mentioned but this is not readily available in public libraries, however, most public libraries do subscribe to British Nineteenth Century Newspapers. No mention is made of the closure of the Colindale newspaper library (planned at the time the book was written), nor of the NEWSPLAN websites which list local holdings of newspapers.
Refreshingly realistic but readers are reminded that there are often no easy answers. They are encouraged to explore new ways of approaching problems. Checklists at the end of each chapter provide tips to overcome difficulties. Overall this is an extremely helpful guide which should chart even the most wary of family historians through a wide range of information sources. The obvious enthusiasm of the author permeates its pages.
