Designed to guide the reader through the essential steps towards tracing his or her own family's history, this book aims to avoid the necessity of working through dull record offices, and instead to adopt an approach leading to the most interesting facts in a variety of ways. As well as providing information needed at the start of the search, the book contains examples and amusing anecdotes which can form a basis for useful research. The advice is intended for all those, whether established family historians or complete newcomers - including people of British descent now living overseas - who wish to pursue the subject.