We hear a great deal about books written by American authors of the not just the best way to proceed with research, but genealogical proof and citing sources, but we hear very little about similar books written by British authors.

This book by Helen Osborn is one of those books that should be a genealogical staple on on any genealogist bookshelf, regardless of what side of the pond you are on.

Although written from a British perspective the basic fundamental structure of successful genealogy is covered and frequently mentions British geography and examples from Helen’s own family.

The book itself covers ten chapters:

1. Challenges of Genealogy
2. Effective searching – techniques and belief
3. Records framework
4. Find what you need
5. Has it been done before
6. Analysing and working with documents
7. Planning and problem solving
8. Recording information & citing sources
9. Organising, store and pass on
10. Prove your research and meet your challenges.

There is also a recommended short reading list, bibliography, list of other sources and an index.

What I particularly enjoy about this book is the writing style and tone of the book. It is certainly a book I recommend for US and other non-UK based researchers as a staple as you begin your research across the pond and set the foundations of that research.