Crash Course In Genealogy

October 15, 2011

This addition to Libraries Unlimited's "Crash Course" series provides a short, snappy introduction to genealogy. Dowell, a retired librarian and longtime genealogist, focuses primarily on American research and attempts to address briefly the latest buzz developments in genealogy, such as DNA research. He talks about searching for ancestors from different time periods and the standard resources and tools that should be consulted. He includes a chapter on minority and ethnic research. The chief virtue of the book is that it has material on the upcoming April 2012 release of the 1940 census (there is a 72-year waiting period before census records become available because of privacy concerns) so readers can prepare for what promises to be a gold mine of new family information. Ably illustrated and clearly presented, this book should help readers rattle some bones in their family closets. VERDICT Some readers will find the overview a little too brief in parts; for instance, Dowell could have devoted more space to military record research, an ever-popular field. Although aimed at librarians, the book can be profitably enjoyed by anyone wanting to learn about a rapidly expanding hobby.--Paul Kaplan, Lake Villa Dist. Lib, IL

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