A Dictionary of Family History: The Genealogists' ABC

Scott (Tracing Your British and Irish Ancestors) has compiled a highly useful guide for genealogists looking into their family history in the British Isles. Organized alphabetically, the entries define obsolete terms, unique occupations, units of measurement, or types of records that may be encountered during the course of research. Other entries provide information about specific research institutions and organizations or offer advice on tracking down ancestors who were transported to Australia, incarcerated, or employed as domestic servants, to name but a few of the diverse subjects covered. Scott's inclusion of many worthy web-based materials makes this volume particularly helpful. Resources are listed for each county in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland as well as the Channel Islands and Isles of Man and Wight. The aptly named "Really Useful Websites" features essential starting places for conducting research in specific geographic areas or topical categories. Also of value, particularly to those outside the British Isles, are Scott's succinct explanations of government offices, legal terms, and changes in legal processes over time, including which courts or government authorities were responsible for handling probate or cases of divorce or adoption.