Germanic Genealogy: A Guide to Worldwide Sources and Migration Patterns, 3rd edition. 2007. Edward R. Brandt, et al. (Available from the Germanic Genealogy Society, PO Box 16312, St. Paul MN 55116-0312.) This is, in my opinion, a classic reference work. One that includes, in its 658+ pages, enough coverage of the subject at hand that you may not need to consult other works. You get both an overview of the subject for all countries where Germanic peoples settled or originated. And you get specific details on each country and sub-record categories.
In the past three months, I have retrieved addresses for correspondence, strategies for research problems, bibliographic citations for articles and seminar handouts, source descriptions for checklists, an outline of topics covered by specific authors, etc. By the time 2007 is over, my copy will probably be worn out. (See Genealogy News Sheet 5 June 2007 for more details about this outstanding book. Patricia Lowe is one of et al names associated with this book and a special friend of mine. She was in Salt Lake City with her husband Doug, at the Family History Library last week. What fun it was to see her again.)
Why a Genealogist Reads a History Book
I could just as well say, Why a Genealogist Consults a Reference Work, in the middle of genealogy research on specific ancestors:
- To discover records and sources with their locations–previously unknown to you or not previously consulted by those tracing your family.
- To study the jurisdictions that apply to the places of residence of your ancestors.
- To identify special considerations that affect your ability to find and trace your ancestors.
- To learn the context in which your ancestors lived their lives.
- To gain basic facts about your ancestry–especially migration patterns and the kinship networks following those same patterns together.
Germanic Genealogy also has a series of maps. These maps are too broad with too little detail to be really helpful at the local level. They provide some overview of Europe and the movement of Germanic peoples from place to place. You also need maps with the local detail present in Google Earth or equivalent GPS mapping systems–where you can see what is happening in the neighborhood and even in the backyards of people who live there.
I think we need an atlas, designed to accompany the text of Germanic Genealogy, as a supplementary volume. Your favorite genealogist, Arlene Eakle http://www.arleneeakle.com
PS Be sure to tune in Saturday, when I’ll share the topics Linda Brinkerhoff and I will discuss at the Heritage Christmas Tour, 3 Dec-8 Dec 2007–A Christmas to Remember! We have something very interesting to share with alumni of this Tour and new attendees planning to come for the first time.