This directory of family associations, based largely on data received in response to questionnaires sent to family associations, reunion committees, and one-name societies, offers contact information on some 6,000 family associations in the US. The directory is useful for those engaging in genealogical research or planning family reunions. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR

Containing entries for more than 45,000 English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish, Cornish, and immigrant surnames, The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland is the ultimate reference work on family names of the UK. The Dictionary includes every surname that currently has more than 100 bearers. Each entry contains lists of variant spellings of the name, an explanation of its origins (including the etymology), lists of early bearers showing evidence for formation and continuity from the date of formation down to the 19th century, geographical distribution, and, where relevant, genealogical and bibliographical notes, making this a fully comprehensive work on family names. This authoritative guide also includes an introductory essay explaining the historical background, formation, and typology of surnames and a guide to surnames research and family history research. Additional material also includes a list of published and unpublished lists of surnames from the Middle Ages to the present day.

From Tyler's quarterly historical and genealogical magazine.