As you attempt to trace your German ancestors you will find this book indispensable. You will find an overview of German history and geography from 800 AD, and solutions to issues such as language, handwriting, symbols, abbreviations, dates, and festivals. With this book you will overcome the difficulties of finding records and interpreting those that may be incomplete because of wars or political and religious changes. There are chapters on the history of German settlement in Australasia, the reading of old German records and emigration passenger lists, on where to write for information from countries which, in the past, encompassed areas of present-day Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Poland. Extensively illustrated with maps and facsimile records, this is more than a genealogy handbook - it is an introduction to German history, language and culture.