This is without question the most well written book available not only for learning how to do genealogy but also for learning how to use today's genealogy tools. As an added plus, the book is full of charts, graphs, and cartoons which made reading it easy and fun. The cartoon illustrations increased my ability to remember the principles being taught and the step by step guides and charts gave me a visual road map to the accomplishment of my research goals.

The first chapter provided me with a flow chart of the "16 Steps to Organized Research" and a handy "Research Cycle" chart which broke the research process down into 8 easy to follow steps. Even a beginner can easily visualize the steps to take with these charts. I especially liked the definitions that appear every few pages. This was a real convenience for me since there were a few technical words I wasn't sure I understood.

Chapter 2 was about Organizing my Family History information with the principal forms used by genealogists. This chapter contains valuable sample forms and a chart of the postal abbreviations for the States of the US and the Provinces of Canada. If you are like me you will put a bookmark on this page. I can't tell you how many times I have had to search for these abbreviations in an Atlas or the maps in my phone directory.

Chapter 3 acquaints you with some of the idiosyncrasies of using a computer for genealogy. One really nice feature of this chapter is that Karen lists her Internet site www.GRAonline.com as a resource for getting specific suggestions for using the varied genealogy programs mentioned.

Chapter 4 is a brief explanation on how to document your research. I have read whole books on this one subject by itself. Yet somehow Karen has managed to distill the essence of Documentation in just a few pages.

Chapter 5 makes some valid points about printing your records to keep in a notebook and verify your data and notes are printing correctly. I may have to force myself to do this step. I guess I am semi-paranoid about using so much paper. I keep thinking so many trees had to give their lives for this project.

Chapter 6 explained more clearly how the filing system works for your Family History Notebook. And Karen provides a very neat organized view of where everything will go. In the conclusion of this Chapter Karen says, "This Family History Notebook will be constantly expanding. Not only will it record ancestors long gone, it will record more recent events." I like this idea.

In Chapter 7 Karen introduces us to certain historical events and how they impacted the decisions of our ancestors. But more to the point she instructs us that, "developing an environmental awareness of our ancestor's history can result in a greater success when locating sources and solving research mysteries".

Chapter 8 is entitled "Resolving Conflict". This was a difficult chapter for me though well done. I especially liked the "Guide To Sources for Extending Your Pedigree". When I read the Chapter Conclusion I felt much better though because it reads, "You read through the rules once, apply the 2 or 3 you remember, and ignore the others." I can live with that.

Chapter 9 "State Vital Record Offices, Public Libraries, Courthouses and Local Repositories" is one of the best Chapters of the book. There is such a wealth of information about where vital records are found including links to Internet sites that can help locate them; and the "Repository Guide for Local Genealogists" Chart helps you determine where to write for the record, get it on loan, or go see it in person. This Chapter could be a whole book in itself.

Chapter 10, 11, and 12 explain how to use the Resources available from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah and the local Family History Libraries around the country. She enumerates the many wonderful databases they have available both online and on CD and points out their advantages and limitations.

Chapter 13 is an overview of the Federal Archives and Branches and what is available through these repositories.

Chapter 14 analyses the Federal Census Records from 1850 to 1920 and how to use them. There two separate Step-by Step Guides in this Chapter one for Locating Your Ancestor on the "1790 to 1870 Census Rolls" and the other for the "1880 to 1920 Census Rolls". Both guides are designed for use at the a Federal Archives or Branch Archives.

Chapters 15 and 16 sum up some very important does and don'ts of research and also give you some tips to help you share your research with others.

Altogether, I found this book to be a rewarding resource for the how to's of Genealogy Research. Even if you have been doing genealogy for years, as I have, this book will guide you down a well paved road to genealogy research success. I recommend it highly. by Cindy Carman

If you would like to order this exceptionally well written book click this link. "Complete Beginner's Guide to Genealogy, the Internet, and Your Genealogy Computer Program" by Karen Clifford

Karen Clifford is an Accredited Genealogist and the president and CEO of Genealogy Research Associates, Inc., with offices in Monterey, CA and Salt Lake City, UT. She is an instructor in genealogy and computer classes at Monterey Peninsula College, CA, and is the author of four college textbooks on genealogy and credentialing in genealogy. In addition, she is President of the Utah Genealogical Association, a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and course coordinator of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy.

Article written by Cindy Carman