Tracing your Ancestors’ Lives: A Guide for Family Historians

Family Tree Editor Helen Tovey reviews 'Tracing your Ancestors’ Lives: A Guide for Family Historians' by Barbara J Starmans.

‘Imagine you really were able to sit down for an afternoon and interview those who came before you. How many of your questions would you already know the answers to? What more can you learn? …’ Barbara J Starmans’s new book will really get those ancestor-hunting cogs of yours whirring, helping you think about the lives your ancestors lived and the world they once inhabited.

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You may be familiar with some of the historical sources and websites that Barbara refers to, while others might be new to you. In either case though, I’m sure you will find it very inspiring – the way she shows how these records can be viewed in a different light to learn about the wider community, the demography, the ethnicity, and more – to get a much clearer idea of what it was like to live your ancestors’ lives. Genealogist Barbara’s book is all about thorough research into the wider picture to help you visualise, understand, appreciate and, ultimately, tell your own story of your family history.

Packed with case studies, and ideas and suggestions for investigations that you can make into your own research, this is a very practical and thought-provoking read – one that is sure to improve your genealogy skills and help you get even more enjoyment out of your family history.

• ISBN: 9781473879713. RRP £14.99, paperback. Pen & Sword Family History.