Sign-In
Cart
Sicilian Genealogy and Heraldry
Paperback
Genealogy & HeraldryGeneral World HistoryItalian History
Publisher Price: $36.00
ISBN13: 9780615796932
Publisher: Trinacria Editions LLC
Published: Nov 10 2014
Pages: 300
Weight: 0.93
Height: 0.86 Width: 5.07 Depth: 8.03
Language: English
In Sicilian genealogy, a generation by generation lineage to the Late Middle Ages isn't unusual. This long-awaited, definitive guide shows you how to do it.
Sicily boasts the world's best genealogical records, revealing the deep roots of a Sicilian identity and facilitating the construction of many pedigrees into the fifteenth century. Based on the author's 30 years of experience as a foremost expert in the field, this is the first complete guide ever published in English dedicated exclusively to Sicilian genealogical research. Its publication in 2013 established a new subject category in the Dewey catalogue, and it is the reference book consulted by professional genealogists researching Sicilian families.
Topics range from parochial, civil and feudal records to DNA haplotyping, religion, rural life, cuisine, ethnography, coats of arms, surname origins and Jewish genealogy, with insightful, accurate information on historiography and research strategies - a few published here for the first time.
With scientific rigor and disarming candor, the Indiana Jones of Italian history shows you how to push the envelope of your family history research into Sicily's multicultural medieval era. Family history is more than names, dates and pedigrees; it is the people and culture behind the names. Social context is not overlooked. If there were ever a handbook on Sicilian ethnology, this would be it.
This book covers a wide range of topics in detail, transcending conventional strategies to explain the how and why of historical research: shortcuts and methods as well as advice on pitfalls to avoid. As a serious guide for dedicated researchers, it presumes some familiarity with basic genealogy, recommending introductory books to complement what one reads in this one, so don't expect photographs of vital statistics records and other documents. But even for family historians at the beginning of their research, this book is an excellent consultative reference.
It brings to life an arcane, often elusive, field. Significantly, the author destroys a few myths about Italian family history, and about Italy itself, while describing real social history. Especially impressive is his refreshingly distinctive writing style, with blunt reality checks sprinkled throughout the lengthier chapters. That's the kind of pragmatism missing from many genealogical guides.
While the chapters on the aristocracy and heraldry may interest fewer readers than those on simple lineal research, they are useful because most pedigrees before 1400 focus on the nobility.
By his own admission, Mendola's tone is at times sardonic, as if this elder statesman were scolding the field's less disciplined historians while setting the stage for its beginners. Just when you think that his treatment of a particular topic has become tiresome or excessively dry and theoretical, he inserts a concrete example to make his point. It's an effective technique.
In his assaults on the machinations of historical revisionists and genealogical fabulists, along with fake royalty and others who manipulate history for their own edification, the author takes no prisoners. Like Verres, the Roman governor of Sicily who fled into voluntary exile following Cicero's opening speech at his trial for corruption, genealogy's fantasists should flee the moment Lou Mendola enters the fray. In fact, quite a few have, as the author has been consulted over the years by journalists, law-enforcement authorities and others seeking to expose genealogy's identity tricksters.
His role is not unlike that of a lone sheriff protecting a town or, for European traditionalists, the last knight defending a castle. He is one of Italy's most cosmopolitan historians, consulted by The History Channel, the Vatican, the Order of Malta, the Almanach de Gotha and the BBC.
This is a reference work written by a highly knowledgeable, freethinking scholar, albeit one with close connections to Europe's traditionalist Establishment. The comparison to Indiana Jones, or even Rambo (!), is not inappropriate, except perhaps for Mendola's blue eyes. If you're a researcher, consulting this useful reference is like having an experienced, heavily-armed warrior escort you through jungles and mine fields to find The Truth on the other side.
Not to worry. You'll get there. And when you do, your ancestors will be waiting to meet you.
Also from
Mendola, Louis
The Time Traveler's Guide to Norman-Arab-Byzantine Palermo, Monreale and Cefalù
Alio, Jacqueline
Mendola, Louis
Paperback
Kingdom of Sicily 1130-1266: The Norman-Swabian Age and the Identity of a People
Mendola, Louis
Alio, Jacqueline
Paperback
Also in
Genealogy & Heraldry
History by a Hair: Thomas Jefferson, Sally Hemings & Solving a 200-Year-Old Mystery
Kurin, Richard
Hardcover
A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived: The Human Story Retold Through Our Genes
Rutherford, Adam
Paperback
Fathers Day Gifts: Dad, Tell Me Your Story: A Father's Guided Journal and Memory Keepsake Book
For Dad, Gifts
Press, Victor
Hardcover
Our Family Tree Index: A 12 Generation Genealogy Notebook for 4,095 ancestors
Anonymous, House Elves
Hardcover
Searching for Sisters: A Guide to Researching Catholic Nuns in the United States
Morton, Sunny Jane
Paperback
Family History Record Book: An 8-generation family tree workbook to record your research
Hunter, Heritage
Paperback
The World Encyclopedia of Flags: An Illustrated Guide to International Flags, Banners, Standards and Ensigns
Znamierowski, Alfred
Hardcover
The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions
Marshall, Carl
Marshall, David
Hardcover
Family Tree Workbook: 30+ Step-By-Step Worksheets to Build Your Family History
Sheffey, Brian
Paperback
A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Human Story Retold Through Our Genes
Rutherford, Adam
Paperback
William Of Malmesbury'S Chronicle Of The Kings Of England. From The Earliest Period To The Reign Of King Stephen
A. Giles, J.
Paperback
Scots and Scotch Irish: Frontier Life in North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky
Hoefling, Larry J.
Paperback
Genealogy in Reverse: Finding the Living. A Practical Guide for All Genealogists
Passey, Cheri Hudson
Paperback
World Football Club Crests: The Design, Meaning and Symbolism of World Football's Most Famous Club Badges
Nilsson, Leonard Jägerskiöld
Hardcover
The Family Tree Scandinavian Genealogy Guide: How to Trace Your Ancestors in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway
Fryxell, David A.
Paperback
Ancestral Grimoire: Connect with the Wisdom of the Ancestors Through Tarot, Oracles, and Magic
Hendrickson, Nancy
Paperback
Families Directly Descended from All the Royal Families in Europe (495 to 1932) & Mayflower Descendants. Bound with Supplement
Rixford, Elizabeth M.
Paperback
Finding Your Family Tree: A Beginner's Guide to Researching Your Genealogy
Morgan, Sharon Leslie
Hardcover
Essential Skills for the Occasional Genealogist: Beyond-beginner Genealogy Skills for Busy Family Historians
Dondero, Jennifer Patterson
Paperback
NPE* A story guide for unexpected DNA discoveries: (*a non-paternity event - when 'Dad' is not your biological father)
Hay, Leeanne R.
Paperback
Directory of Scots Banished to the American Plantations, 1650-1775. Second Edition (Revised)
Dobson, David
Paperback
Chavez: A Distinctive American Clan of New Mexico, Facsimile of 1989 Edition
Chavez, Fray Angelico
Paperback
Becoming American: Portland, Maine's Irish and the Making of Immigrant America 1840 - 1861
Barker, Matthew Jude
Paperback
2025 Register of Qualified Huguenot Ancestors: The Huguenot Researcher's Authoritative Sourcebook of Proofs
Brennan, Nancy Wright
Lorenz, Janice Murphy
Totten, Katherine Pace
Paperback
Practical Genealogy: 50 Simple Steps to Research Your Diverse Family History
Sheffey, Brian
Paperback
In Search of Our Roots: How 19 Extraordinary African Americans Reclaimed Their Past
Gates, Henry Louis
Paperback
Ancestry and Descendants of the Nassau-Siegen Immigrants to Virginia, 1714-1750: Special Edition
Holtzclaw, Benjamin C.
Paperback
The Adobe Kingdom: New Mexico 1598-1958 as experienced by the families Lucero de Godoy y Baca
Lucero, Donald L.
Paperback
Fathers Day Gifts: Grandpa, Tell Me Your Story: A GrandFather's Guided Journal and Memory Keepsake Book
Press, Victor
Hardcover
The Untold Story of Luby's Cafeterias: Including Joesph Owen Luby Sr.'s Original Cookbook
Luby, Lawrence P.
Paperback
The Family Tree Toolkit: A Comprehensive Guide to Uncovering Your Ancestry and Researching Genealogy
Berry, Kenyatta D.
Paperback
A genealogical dictionary of the first settlers of New England, Volume 1: Surnames A-C
Savage, James
Paperback
Unofficial Ancestry.com Workbook: A How-To Manual for Tracing Your Family Tree on the #1 Genealogy Website
Hendrickson, Nancy
Paperback
Our Family Tree Notebook: A hardcover genealogy notebook with lined pages
Anonymous, House Elves
Hardcover
Stolen Heritage: A Mexican-American's Rediscovery of His Family's Lost Land Grant
Rubio, Abel G.
Paperback
Genealogy of the Warren Family From Richard, Who Came in the Mayflower, in 1620, to 1872
Anonymous
Paperback
History of the Cherokee Indians and Their Legends and Folk Lore. With a New Added Index
Starr, Emmet
Hardcover
Irish Genealogy Without Certainty: When Records Are Missing, Method Matters
Woodward, Laura S.
Paperback
Unpuzzling Your Past. the Best-Selling Basic Guide to Genealogy. Fourth Edition. Expanded, Updated and Revised (New Exp Updtd & REV)
Croom, Emily Anne
Paperback
Building a Legacy: A Guide to Combining Ancestry.com and Family Tree Maker
Shamblin, Rebecca
Paperback
The Family Tree Problem Solver: Tried-And-True Tactics for Tracing Elusive Ancestors
Rising, Marsha Hoffman
Paperback
The Family Tree Scottish Genealogy Guide: How to Trace Your Ancestors in Scotland
Epperson, Amanda
Paperback
A Creek, a Mill, and a Military Family: The Sherrards of Berkeley County, West Virginia (Virginia) 1785-1939
Miller, Stauffer
Hardcover
Warrior-Pioneers II: Extracts from the Boone Papers, Volumes 14C-15C of the Draper Manuscripts
Crabb, Anne
Paperback
Seven Generations of the Descendants of Aquila and Thomas Chase
Chase, John Carroll
Chamberlain, George Walter
Paperback
Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution: Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, 1775-1783
Gwathmey, John H.
Paperback
History Of The Huston Families And Their Descendants, 1450-1912: With A Genealogical Record
Huston, E. Rankin
Paperback
Adventurers of Purse and Person, Virginia, 1607-1624/5. Fourth Edition. Volume One, Families A-F, Part A
Dorman, John Frederick
Paperback
Tracing Your Cherokee Roots: Updated Edition: A Guide to Discovering Your Cherokee Ancestor
Reece, Joseph Robert
Paperback
Adventurers of Purse and Person, Virginia, 1607-1624/5. Fourth Edition. Volume One, Families A-F, Part B
Dorman, John Frederick
Paperback
The Social Life of DNA: Race, Reparations, and Reconciliation After the Genome
Nelson, Alondra
Paperback
History of Berks County, Pennsylvania in the Revolution from 1774 to 1783
Montgomery, Morton L.
Paperback
The Illustrated Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and Its Contemporary Uses
Slater, Stephen
Hardcover
A genealogical dictionary of the first settlers of New England, Volume 3: Surnames K-R
Savage, James
Paperback
Fitz Randolph: Traditions, a Genealogy and Family History of a Thousand Years
Randolph, L. V. F.
Paperback
"Nuestros Antepasados" (Our Ancestors): Los Nuevo Mexicanos del Condado de Lincoln (Lincoln County's History of its New Mexican Settlers)
Sanchez, Ernest S.
Sanchez, Paul R.
Paperback
Black Indian Genealogy Research: African-American Ancestors Among the Five Civilized Tribes, An Expanded Edition
Walton-Raji, Angela Y.
Paperback
Rhinelanders on the Yadkin. The Story of the Pennsylvania Germans in Rowan and Cabarrus Counties, North Carolina
Hammer, Carl
Paperback
Storytelling for Genealogists: Turning Family Lineage into Family History
Tattershall, Doug
Paperback
Pedigrees of Some of the Emperor Charlemagne's Descendants. Volume I
Von Redlich, Marcellus Donald Alexander
Paperback
From Sicily to America: A History of Sicilian Immigration to America, from the Villages to Ellis Island and Beyond
Licata, Salvatore J.
Paperback
Irish Names - The Origins, Meanings, and Legacy of Ireland's Traditional Names
O'Corrain, Donncha
Maguire, Fidelma
Paperback
Further Genealogical Notes on the Tyrrell-Terrell Family: of Virginia and Its English and Norman-French Progenitors
Terrell, Edwin Holland
Paperback
A genealogical dictionary of the first settlers of New England, Volume 4: Surnames S-Z
Savage, James
Paperback
Gulf Coast Colonials. a Compendium of French Families in Early Eighteenth Century Louisiana
De Ville, Winston
Paperback
The Registers of North Farnham Parish, 1663-1814 and Lunenburg Parish, 1783-1800, Richmond County, Virginia
King, George H. S.
Paperback
The Family Tree Polish, Czech And Slovak Genealogy Guide: How to Trace Your Family Tree in Eastern Europe
Alzo, Lisa A.
Paperback
Revolutionary War Patriot Discharges: A Companion to The Book of Merit: a coMPANION TO tHE bOOK OF mERIT
Virgil, Kenneth Wayne
Paperback
Christopher Gist of Maryland and Some of His Descendants, 1679-1957 / by Jean Muir Dorsey and Maxwell Jay Dorsey.
Dorsey, Jean Muir 1890-
Paperback
John Cary The Plymouth Pilgrim: Biography and Genealogy of a New England Pioneer
Carey, Seth C.
Paperback
Old New Kent County [Virginia]: Some Account of the Planters, Plantations, and Places Volume II
Harris, Malcolm H.
Hardcover
A genealogical dictionary of the first settlers of New England, Volume 2: Surnames D-J
Savage, James
Paperback
The Code of Honor, Or, Rules for the Government of Principals and Seconds in Duelling
Wilson, John Lyde
Paperback
Christopher Gist of Maryland and Some of His Descendants, 1679-1957 / by Jean Muir Dorsey and Maxwell Jay Dorsey.
Dorsey, Jean Muir 1890-
Hardcover
Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors: The Essential Genealogical Guide to Early Modern Ulster, 1600-1800
Roulston, William
Paperback
The Boone Family; a Genealogical History of the Descendants of George and Mary Boone who Came to America in 1717; Containing Many Unpublished Bits of
Spraker, Ella Atterbury
Crump, Jesse Procter
Hardcover
Kegley's Virginia Frontier: The Beginning of the Southwest, the Roanoke of Colonial Days, 1740-1783, with Maps and Illustrations
Kegley, Frederick Bittle
Paperback
The Jew a Negro: Being a Study of the Jewish Ancestry from an Impartial Standpoint
Abernethy, Arthur Talmage
Paperback
Changing the Ending: How Writing Your Life Story Transforms Your Life
Lauritzen, Rhonda
Trotter, Rachel J.
Paperback
Families Directly Descended from All the Royal Families in Europe (495 to 1932) & Mayflower Descendants
Rixford, Elizabeth M.
Paperback
Snatches of O'Daniel, Hamilton, and Allied Ancestry and History in Maryland and Kentucky
O'Daniel, Victor Francis
Paperback