Pen and Sword Books: Family History

Family History

Over 100 volumes are now available in Pen & Sword’s family history series, which makes it one of the largest and most influential published in Britain. Since the first books appeared over ten years ago, the range of topics has grown to the point where almost every aspect of the subject is covered.

There are volumes on the most important types of records for family historians and guides to the family history of the British regions and principal cities. Also included are introductions to the armed services and the world wars, to types of work, and to the major industries and professions.

Each book offers an accessible introduction to the subject and detailed advice on the historical and genealogical sources family historians can use to find out about the lives and times of their ancestors. The series is essential reading for newcomers who are beginning to explore this fascinating subject and a valuable resource for experienced researchers.

View Family History eBooks Ancestors in the Armed Forces By Industry/Profession By Region By Religion Types of Records

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars As ever with a Pen and Sword publications Tracing Your Ancestors Using What They Left Behind is well presented and informative. Their wide ranging titles on tracing your family history will help you on your way or enable you to over come that brick wall. This is one of vast range of titles that will help any family history researcher or just help broaden your knowledge of the social, cultural and political time your ancestors lived in.
NetGalley, Cath P

"Tracing your Surrey Ancestors does not have to be read from cover to cover by every reader, but will undoubtedly be referred to frequently by family historians eager to identify potential sources and to interpret what they are looking at. As such it will prove to be an invaluable research tool.
Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine - December 2025

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars Despite its county-specific title, the book is of much wider value: it won’t be difficult to work out where to look for information in other English counties. It’s a pity I don’t have the time these days to go chasing the higher branches of my family tree. If I did I think I would be able to find much more than the basic information which I already have. I was unaware of the wealth of available information and how much it could add to an understanding, not just of one’s own family, but of wider social history in the local area.
NetGalley, Jennifer Young

"Even if your forebears don't fall into this category, the book is worth reading to understand how those who governed the island of Ireland treated the vulnerable, poor and marginalised over several centuries."
Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine - July 2025

I enjoyed reading this book and found the information to be informative. The addition of the author’s genealogy and newspaper research examples provided greater insight about the deceased person being studied. I had not previously thought about the information that could be learned by studying tombstones but can see how useful it could be to genealogists.
NetGalley, Jennifer Littlefield