Edited by John & Sheila Rowlands. 348 pages. ISBN 1-86006-066-8.

Anyone who has had any success with researching their Welsh ancestry will know that a sound grasp of genealogical method and a good knowledge of available sources are not the only factors which have contributed to that success. They will know, for example, how important it is in Welsh research to have some understanding of the social, cultural, religious and economic background to the communities in which these ancestors lived.

This book aims to broaden that understanding, especially for the period prior to 1800 when most researchers begin to experience difficulties. In addition, it aims to make readers more aware of some little-known (or little-used) sources and the processes which may be applied to the information they contain.