Mastering Online Genealogy written by W. Daniel Quillen is a great little book packed full of helpful tips in doing online family research. This book is the first in his new Quillen’s Essentials of Genealogy series. It covers the use of computers and the Internet to successfully do your own genealogical research. He shows readers how to use the Internet as an effective genealogical research tool. He covers the following points:

• Genealogy Databases
• Free Genealogy Websites
• Subscription Services
• Pitfalls to watch out for, Pratfalls to avoid
• The Value of Message Boards, Blogs, etc.
• What kind of Computer & Software should you buy?
• Genealogy Software Reviews

Quillen states in his introduction, “Mastering Online Genealogy will help you learn (or relearn, or practice) how to use one of the greatest tools for information research and location ever created: the Internet. Daily, thousands upon thousands of documents formerly available only by expensive and time-consuming personal visits to distant locations are coming online. As you learn the techniques and sources of information in this book, you’ll be able to find and access these records in record time, and be able to find more and more of your ancestors.”

One of my favorite chapters in this book is on Government Records. He discusses topics such as Census, Birth & Death Records, Immigration & Naturalization, Military Records, and much more. This informative books has some great tips for beginners, as well as those who have been doing research for a while.

I look forward to reading all of the books in this genealogical series. Some of Quillen’s other books in the Essentials of Genealogy series are:

• Mastering Immigration & Naturalization Records
• Mastering Census & Military Records
• Tracing Your European Roots
• Secrets of Tracing Your Ancestors

More about W. Daniel Quillen: For more than 20 years, W. Daniel Quillen has been a professional writer specializing in travel and technical subjects. He has taught beginning genealogy courses to university students and working adults, and is a frequent lecturer in beginning and intermediate genealogy classes in Colorado. He has compiled his years of genealogical training and research into a growing series of genealogy how-to books.


Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book for my honest review. I really enjoyed reading it and will be referring to it for some great information and tips.