This valuable and complete how-to guide to doing research in German church books will interest, educate, and aid almost all genealogical researchers who have progressed beyond the simple basics covered by other how-to books. Starting with the assumption that the reader will already know how to read some "church book" German, the author takes you on a thorough examination of virtually all possible data which can be found in, or even more importantly, deduced from, German church books.
In an easily understood manner, the author walks the reader through the research problems and opportunities which occur. The book includes frequent specific examples and thorough discussion of the underlying principles involved. A complete set of hundreds of handwriting samples of each and every letter, both upper- and lower-case, adds an entirely separate and very valuable dimension.
It is a definitely *beyond the basics* book. Smith shows you how to analyze the records, explains name changes and farm names, Biblical citations in death records. Since reading Smith's book, I have reviewed my microfilm printouts and have found so much more information that I had not noticed before. I now know what to look for beyond the names and dates.
The book is the perfect size to carry, and the handwriting specimens in the back have proven extremely useful.
