Publisher i30 Media today released the second edition of Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes: The quick guide to creating a family tree, building connections with relatives, and discovering the stories of your ancestors (ISBN: 978-1-64188-051-0) by author and professional genealogist Shannon Combs-Bennett.
“Shannon’s award-winning book has been a consistent strong seller since the first edition was released five years ago,” said Ian Lamont, president and founder of i30 Media. “We realized that the pace of change in this field is so rapid, and the interest in genealogy and family history is so strong, that an updated edition was required for 2021.”
The revised second edition explains the joys, challenges, and triumphs of researching family origins. The tone is friendly and easy to understand, with many examples and case studies that help illustrate basic genealogy concepts and research strategies. Specific topics include:
- Why are people so interested in family history?
- Evaluating clues, facts, and myths in family stories
- The importance of linking generations
- Vital records, from birth certificates to death records
- Non-vital records, from census forms to wills
- Religious records
- Five things that can trip up newbies researching family history
- Best practices for genealogy road trips
- Interviewing relatives, and dealing with skeptics
- Pros and cons of online genealogy research
- Genetic genealogy basics
- Understanding the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
- The importance of DNA to adoptees and family members
- Non-paternal events and other skeletons in the genetic closet
- Research logs and genealogy journals
- Preserving records and research
- Genealogy software and GEDCOM files
- Planning for disasters
The guide also includes charts that illustrate family relationships as well as an appendix of questions that can help children connect with older relatives and learn more about family history.
More information about Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes, Second Edition as well as online ordering options can be found on the companion website, genealogy.in30minutes.com. The site also includes blog posts, videos, and other resources for readers. The paperback retail price is $13.99, while the ebook and PDF edition is available for $9.99. A hardcover edition is available for $22.99.
About the author
Shannon Combs-Bennett is an author, researcher, and lecturer based in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She regularly speaks and writes about genetic genealogy and research methodology. Shannon is a frequent contributor to Family Tree Magazine and Family Tree University. Her blog Trials and Tribulations (T2) Family History chronicles her journey through research and family exploration. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indiana University, with an emphasis in genetics, which started her passion for research and genetic genealogy. Shannon completed the Boston University Certificate of Genealogical Research and earned her Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies (PLCGS) in American Records from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. She received a Masters in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in 2019. Currently Shannon is working toward her PhD in History with a genealogy emphasis, also from the University of Strathclyde. Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes is her third book.
About In 30 Minutes guides
i30 Media is the publisher of IN 30 MINUTES guides – “Quick guides for a complex world.” Thousands of readers turn to IN 30 MINUTES guides to understand mildly complex topics, ranging from home-buying to social media. The tone is friendly and easy to understand, with step-by-step instructions and lots of examples. The series has won multiple awards from the Independent Book Publishers Association and Foreword Reviews. Top-selling titles include Google Drive & Docs In 30 Minutes, Twitter In 30 Minutes, and LinkedIn In 30 Minutes. For more information about the series, visit in30minutes.com.