New Pocket Guide to Irish Genealogy by Brian Mitchell

Synopsis:
Pocket Guide is a bit of misnomer, for in fact this 7″ x 10″ publication is one of the most complete and informative books on genealogical research in Ireland ever written. When Brian Mitchell wrote the original Pocket Guide to Irish Genealogy in 1991, with revisions in 2002 and 2008, access to Irish record sources was through examination of original and microfilm copies of historical sources in record offices. Genealogists now, however, have ready access online to most of Irish record sources. Therefore, Brian Mitchell has completely revised his guide to meet the needs of today’s researchers and direct them to the most current websites and resources.

Mitchell’s original premise remains the same: that the examination of seven major records will throw quite detailed light on most peoples’ Irish ancestry. By skillfully blending Irish history, record sources, case studies, maps, charts, and his own genealogy expertise, Mitchell has put together a masterful handbook to Irish genealogical research.

Following introductory chapters on the background of Irish genealogy, Mitchell describes the nature and uses of all significant record sources in Ireland, including but not limited to civil and parish registers, gravestone inscriptions, wills, census returns and census substitutes, the Griffith’s Valuation, tithe books, newspapers, hearth money rolls, the registry of deeds, estate records, and ordnance survey memoirs. Also included are the addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and websites for the major record repositories, as well as a section discussing DNA and genetic genealogy as applicable to Irish genealogy research. Finally, Mitchell offers a step-by-step guide to tracing your Irish ancestors, first itemizing the three steps researchers should take first, and then including case studies to illustrate how to apply these steps.

Enriched by the author’s experience as a professional geographer and leading Irish genealogical researcher, the New Pocket Guide to Irish Genealogy is an invaluable tool for all those seeking Irish ancestors.

For more information about the book (122 pp., paper. 2020. ISBN 9780806359083, $25.00), or author Brian Mitchell, please contact Joe Garonzik at 410-804-1558, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Buy Book Here!

"New Pocket Guide to Irish Genealogy " by Brian Mitchell is one of the most complete and informative books on genealogical research in Ireland ever written. Because genealogists now have ready access online to most of Irish record sources, Brian Mitchell has completely revised his guide to meet the needs of today's researchers and direct them to the most current websites and resources.

The examination of seven major records will throw quite detailed light on most peoples' Irish ancestry and by skillfully blending Irish history, record sources, case studies, maps, charts, and his own mastery of the subject, Mitchell has put together a masterful handbook to Irish genealogical research.

Following introductory chapters on the background of Irish genealogy and how to get started in your research, Mitchell describes the nature and uses of all significant record sources in Ireland, including but not limited to civil and parish registers, gravestone inscriptions, wills, census returns and census substitutes, the Griffith's Valuation, tithe books, newspapers, hearth money rolls, the registry of deeds, estate records, and ordnance survey memoirs.

Also included are the addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and websites for the major record repositories, as well as a section discussing DNA and genetic genealogy as applicable to Irish genealogy research. Mitchell concludes with itemizing the three steps researchers should take first, and then including case studies to illustrate how to apply these steps.

Critique: Expertly written, organized and presented, "New Pocket Guide to Irish Genealogy" an ideal instructional guide and reference for anyone seeking to do genealogical research with respect to their Irish ancestors and is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Genealogy Research Studies collections and supplemental curriculum reading lists.

Wisconsin Bookwatch: May 2020
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI 53575 http://midwestbookreview.com/wbw/may 20.htm#Genealogy
The Genealogy Shelf


Brian Mitchell
Clearfield Company
3600 Clipper Mill Road, suite 260, Baltimore, MD 21211 www.genealogical.com
9780806359083, $25.00, PB, 122pp, Buy Book Here!