Ancestral Books - how reliable?

[millymcb]

If the books they are selling are "out of copyright" then you are very likely to find them digitised online by checking google books,  archive.org and gutenberg.org

If you see one you are interested in take a look at these sites and read it for free!

Interesting link Dobfarm... I remember a few instances of spamming posts on rootschat last year along the lines of "I'm thinking of using this company what do people think?" or "I've found a great book on my family at this site". Various other genealogy sites have been targetted too. 

Milly

[andycand]

Hi

I haven't used Ancestral Books so can't comment on them specifically but I have purchased a couple of books published by a similar  type of business. Basically they reprint old books that are out of copyright, the quality of the book depends upon the original author but usually if you find a book of interest, google and you will possibly find comments about it.

It is also worth checking the link below as you might find you can download the book for free.

http://www.archive.org/

Andy

[ramjo]

Thanks all for the advice.  I have similar views regarding buying books showing the research of others and I am familair with archive.org - a great site.

Aplologies for not being clear with my query - the book I am interested in is a facsimile of a very old book and my question was about the reliability of the supplier in delivering on orders, etc.  Having said that, it seems from reading the message board link that there may be some issues.

Thanks again

[dobfarm]

Good Luck    in your endours and remember its cost nothing to shop around for true value.

Dob's

Ps Welcome to Rootschat website !

[Tariana]

A book is only as reliable as it's sources and in some cases how much information said sources are willing to provide.   

I myself am in a fairly recent ancestry book written by a relative of a relative. The book isn't on my own ancestors, so I'm kind of a collateral relative in it.

In it, it states that my Gran and Pop did not have any children of their own (correct) and that they raised 1 child - my mother (incorrect, they raised my mom and aunt).
*Also they fail to mention that my Gran is my mom's first cousin.
It also states that I went to a university. (I actually went to a nearby community college.)
*It also fails to mention my aunt's three children, my cousins.

Ah... family drama.  Mucking up information everywhere.

[Berlin-Bob]

I don't know anything about the quality of their books or their service, but we have banned
at least 10 people (probably more) for spamming us with adverts about this firm..

And, as Dobfarm has seen, (reply #8), we are not the only ones.

Everybody can and will make their own decisions about this,
but I personally feel that any firm that uses such tactics should be viewed with caution.

Bob

[newburychap]

There are a number of companies flogging printed facsimiles of old books - which are often sourced from the internet archive. Really you are paying for getting the book printed - the content is usually available for nothing.

If you want the book in print form there is no reason not to get one - I have a few and am very happy to have them.

Rather than buy direct from a supplier you can usually get them via Amazon - which will give you some added protection if the book doesn't turn up.

[kiwinzrobert]

I ordered a book from ancestral books five months ago. They have my money and I don't have my book. I would stay away from them. They have an "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau. I have included the link

http://www.bbb.org/charlotte/business-reviews/books-wholesale/ancestral-books-in-indian-trail-nc-218206

Hope this helps.

[ramjo]

Thanks for the advice - I think the BBB posting tells it all.  I hope you didn't lose a large sum.