More about Sicily and Genealogy

SICILY

History

Sicily: Three Thousand Years of Human History
             by Sandra Benjamin
      
             This volume is both an excellent introduction to the history of the island and a superb reference for almost all aspects of Sicily's past.  It is well-written and well-supplied with maps.  The author's love for the island does not lead her to omit a full discussion of its problems and difficulties. (Available at Amazon.com)


Sicily: An Illustrated History
            by Joseph F. Privitera

      This slim volume of 140 pages provides a quick overview of the island's past, and, as the title suggests, is profusely illustrated.  It is a good place to start for those just beginning to study Sicily. (Available at Amazon.com)


Culture

The Leopard
     by Giuseppe di Lampedusa

      This great Sicilian novel traces the changes wrought on the island by the coming of Garibaldi and the risorgimento through the lives of  an aristocratic Sicilian family.  One of the best novels ever written, it brings the Sicily of the late 1800s to life. I cannot recommend it highly enough.   (Available at Amazon.com)

Sicilian Themed Items
    This website has many items for your home or for gifts with Sicilian or Italian themes.

GENEALOGY

         Genealogical research in Sicilian records is little different from any other kind of family history research.  In one way, it's actually easier than research in other regions of Italy, because Sicilian civil records usually begin in 1820 not 1860 as in most of Italy.  (Many American civil records begin much later.) Most of the visitors to this site can already trace their ancestors to Polizzi Generosa, but if one is not sure, the place to begin is immigration and naturalization records.  
       Although it is a little dated, Trafford Cole's Italian Genealogical Records is still a very useful guide.  I highly recommend it and it is still available from Amazon.