Includes bibliographical references and index.

Background to Research -- Understanding Genealogical Research -- Familiar Record Practices: Problems and Terminology -- Analyzing the Pedigree and the Place -- Evaluation of Evidence -- An Introduction to Research Tools: The Library -- An Introduction to Research Tools: Reference Materials -- Organizing and Evaluating Research Findings -- Successful Correspondence -- Compiled Sources and Newspapers -- Vital Records -- Census Returns -- Using Census Returns -- Understanding Probate Records and Basic Legal Terminology -- What about wills -- The Intestate - Miscellaneous Probate Records - Guardianships -- Government Land: Colonial and American -- Local Land Records -- Abstracting Wills and Deeds -- Court Records -- Church Records -- American Aids to Finding the Home of the Immigrant Ancestor -- Military Records: Colonial Wars and the American Revolution -- Military Records: After the Revolution -- Cemetery and Burial Records -- Computers in Genealogy -- Family History: Going Beyond Genealogy.

Also covers compiled sources, newspapers, vital records, census returns, abstracting wills and deeds, and immigration records.