This accessible, well-organized, easy-to-use beginners guide to the world of family history is essential reading for anyone who wants to find their way into this fascinating subject. In a series of short, practical chapters Simon Fowler takes readers through all the first steps that will reveal the lives of their ancestors and the world they lived in. He looks at every aspect of research, from finding family papers and interviewing relatives, through exploring websites, archives, newspapers and directories, to all the other sources that can throw a light into the past. In a clear, straightforward way he explains how vital records of births, marriages and deaths can be used as the starting point in a sequence of eye-opening family detective work. Simon Fowlers introduction, which is founded on a career of genealogical research and writing, is an indispensable basic book for anyone entering in the field.

Updated edition: A genealogist’s practical guide to researching family history online while avoiding inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information. The internet has revolutionized family history research—every day new records and resources are placed online and new methods of sharing research and communicating become available. Never before has it been so easy to research family history and to gain a better understanding of who we are and where we came from. But, as British genealogist Chris Paton demonstrates in this second edition of his straightforward, practical guide, while the internet is an enormous asset, it is also something to be wary of. For this edition, Paton has checked and updated all the links and other sources, added new ones, written a new introduction, and substantially expanded the social networking section. As always, researchers need to take a cautious approach to the information they acquire on the web. Where did the original material come from? Has it been accurately reproduced? Why was it put online? What has been left out and what is still to come? As he leads researchers through the multitude of resources that are now accessible online with an emphasis on UK and Ireland sites, Chris Paton helps to answer these questions. He shows what the internet can and cannot do—and he warns against the various traps researchers can fall into along the way.

The third revised edition of Debrett's Guide to Tracing Your Family Tree outlines all the steps needed to put together the jigsaw of your own family history. With background information on how records have been kept over the years, how to consult libraries and family history societies, and what to do if you get stuck, it is an invaluable guide.

Debrett's revised and updated Wedding Handbook is the definitive guide to planning your wedding day. It provides practical and expert advice on all aspects of the planning process, from announcing the engagement, to drawing up a guest list, budgeting, recruiting a wedding team, finding a venue and choosing food, drink and entertainment. The Wedding Handbook is an essential tool to smooth the planning and organisation stages and ensure you and your spouse-to-be are fully versed in what to expect from the day itself.

There is no better time than now for a definitive guide to contemporary civilized living. As traditional codes of behavior have given way to an increasingly informal society, many people are disconcerted by the current lack of guidelines. The established rules are as important as ever, but need adaptation for the complications and developments of the twenty-first century. The Debrett's New Guide to Etiquette and Modern Manners cuts through the confusion to combine the very best of traditional standards of conduct with acceptable modern innovations. Packed with no-nonsense step-by-step advice, it covers everything from basic table manners to how to equip yourself at the grandest royal and diplomatic gatherings. Written with clarity and wit, this book celebrates the charm, beauty, and fascination of classic good manners, and their enduring role in a civilized society.