Looking back at this past year, like many other years, two groups stand out in popularity amongst genealogists, identified in large part by book sales, Germans and the Irish. Naturally, the large portion of the U.S. population descended from these two groups is the main cause of its popularity. However, the overall quality and research value provided by many of the current titles adds to the reason why German and Irish books have done so well this year.
Below is a look back at a few German books I reviewed during the year which helped prove the never ending popularity of German research amongst American genealogists.
Language barriers are always present when researching one’s ancestors prior to their arrival in America. Both language barriers and unique handwriting forms these barriers can be difficult to surmount. One great tool available to help researchers with their German is an actual early German school book. Read part of the review I did on this book here:
Every now and then a book will find new life. Sometimes a movie or newsworthy incident will bring a book back into the forefront and it will experience a revitalization. Sometimes a book will find new life for a purpose other than its original intent. So it is with Witter’s German-English Primer and New First German Reader for Public Schools, Revised Edition. This book was originally produced in 1881 as a German primer for American students. Over a century later, the book has found a new purpose, not for children, but for genealogists. [Click here to read the full review]
Of course, language is not the only barrier to successful foreign research. Knowing what sources are available, where to find them, and what one can expect to find unique to specific ethnic groups are all part of productive research. Here is one such book I reviewed to help researchers navigate German resources:
If the value of a book were measured by weight or volume, then The German Research Companion is a steal. Desk reference or the “Bible of German family history,” this book may be called many things, but perhaps the most accurate description is the most complete guide to German research written in the English language. At 8.5″ x 5.5″ and 706 pages, this books covers 100s of topic relevant to searching one’s German ancestors.
Shirley J. Riemer, with the help of co-authors Roger P. Minert and Jennifer A. Anderson added a wealth of knowledge in this 2010 third edition. Added to this edition were email addresses, recently published books and other aids, website addresses (some with directions for managing the sites), as well as useful information and comments regarding the use of many resources. While technically not a “how-to” book, this guide is as full of information and helpful hints as anyone could expect on a single topic in family history. [Click here to read the full review, with contents]
If you have German ancestry in your background, then don’t miss out on these great books. Don’t wait another year, get them now…
Order your copy of Witter’s German-English Primer and New First German Reader for Public Schools, Revised Edition from Family Roots Publishing; Item #: IGH02, Price: $6.88.
Order a copy of The German Research Companion from Family Roots Publishing; Item #: M0025, Price: $27.44.