Photographs of your seafaring ancestors may tell you more about their lives than you realize, and Simon Wills's helpful and practical guide shows you how to identify and interpret the evidence caught on camera. Since maritime roles have been so vital to Britain's prosperity and military might, they are among the commonest professions depicted in photographs of our ancestors, and his handbook is the ideal introduction to them. Maybe your ancestor was a seaman in the Royal Navy, a ship's captain, a steward on an ocean liner, or an officer in the naval reserves? This book shows you how to spot photographic clues to an individual's career. Whether your ancestor served in the merchant navy or the Royal Navy or in another seagoing role such as a fisherman, a lifeboatman, or even a ship's passenger, Simon Wills's book will be your guide. AUTHOR: Dr Simon Wills is a genealogist and journalist and a regular contributor to Family Tree, BBC 'Who Do You Think You Are?' and other magazines. He writes mainly about maritime history and genealogy, but he also has a special interest in health and disease in the past. He works as an information specialist, writer and advisor to the National Health Service and other healthcare organizations. His most recent publications are his history of British passengers at sea, 'Voyages From The Past', and a well-received novel 'Lifeboatmen'.

SELLING POINTS: * A comprehensive guide to interpreting photographs of seafaring ancestors from 1850 to 1950. * Covers men and women in the merchant navy, the Royal Navy, ocean liner crews, fishermen, lifeboats and the whole range of maritime services * Helps you identify your ancestor's role at sea * Explains ranks and medals * Provides tips for investigating careers * A fascinating insight into Britain's maritime history 60 illustrations.