I'm sure you've heard of people reading the last pages of a book first to see how a novel ends up. But - it's really ridiculous isn't it? How many times have you, like I, picked up a book in a library or historical society, gone right to the index to see if our family names are there - then, if so, jump right to that page. We copy the information and shove the book aside. Whoa partner! With every book I publish, and 99% of those you'll find on the shelves, there is something called an "Introduction." It's there for a purpose. In the introduction one will find one or more of the following: 1 - where the materials came from, 2 - an explanation of abbreviations used, 3 - special notes on the material The last one can make a BIG difference. Many of the books you look at are typed from an original - book or microfilm. Could there be pages missing? Could the handwriting be difficult to read? Are there a lot of questions about what word or name was used? Were there known errors in the original? So - just as a handy little hint, start at the beginning; it might help your research! Sandi