The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History is the most authoritative guide available to all things associated with the family and local history of the British Isles. It provides practical and contextual information for anyone enquiring into their English, Irish, Scottish, or Welsh origins and for anyone working in genealogical research, or the social history of the British Isles.

This fully revised and updated edition contains over 2,000 entries from adoption to World War records. Recommended web links for many entries are accessed and updated via the Family and Local History companion website. This edition provides guidance on how to research your family tree using the internet and details the full range of online resources available. Newly structured for ease of use, thematic articles are followed by the A-Z dictionary and detailed appendices, which include further reading. New articles for this edition are: 'A Guide for Beginners', 'Links between British and American Families', 'Black and Asian Family History', and an extended feature on 'Names'.

With handy research tips, a full background to the social history of communities and individuals, and an updated appendix listing all national and local record offices with their contact details, this is an essential reference work for anyone wanting advice on how to approach genealogical research, as well as a fascinating read for anyone interested in the past.

Preface
Contributors
Thematic Essays
A-Z Dictionary
Appendix

Edited by David Hey , University of Sheffield

David Hey is Emeritus Professor of Local and Family History at the University of Sheffield. His many publications include The Oxford Guide to Family History (1993), Family Names and Family History (2000), How Our Ancestors Lived: a history of life 100 years ago (2003), and Journeys in Family History: Exploring Your Past and Finding Your Ancestors (2004).

`Reviews for this edition: substantial and invaluable' Times Literary Supplement

`all historians working in the field of British history should have the book on their shelves ... a most companionable volume' History

`an essential guide for going back to your roots' Dundee Courier and Advertiser

`a compact and comprehensive handbook' The Oxford Times

`Fascinating to dip into, immediately accessible for reference - essential for your bookshelf.' Who Do You Think You Are?

`An invaluable companion to research.' Family History Monthly

`full of practical information' Family Tree Magazine