Book Reviews Information

When the topic of family history comes up, where do you stand? How do you respond when someone asks you where you are from, or when questions about your surname are raised? Do you wish you could give something more than a vague reply, such as, "I grew up around here, and I'm not sure about the name. ..I think it's German"? If so, you aren't alone in your desire. The fact is, most people have a difficult time identifying their lineage much past their grandparents. In most cases, oral history alone is insufficient to traces one's family tree back beyond a couple of generations. One way to determine your history is through your own research, which can be quite frustrating, as well as costly, and excessively time consuming. Or, if you are very lucky, someone has already researched the family for you. Well, today is your luck day!

Joseph Yakel has done just that in his comprehensive genealogy book, "The JACKEL, JECKEL, JAECKEL, IEKEL, YAKEL Family History Book". All you have to do is read it! Through extensive research, verification, and cross-reference, the lineages of these, and other related families, are traced back a full eight generations to the area of Kreis Kreuznach, Germany. For perspective, that equates to you saying the word "grandfather", with seven "greats" placed in front of it. Impressive!Now then, back to answering those questions of who you are and where you're from. Wouldn't it be nice to say, "I grew up in this area, but my family comes from the Rhineland area of Germany. Our surname was originally spelled JACKEL and JECKEL, but when part of the family emigrated to America in 1847, the name was altered to what we have today. We trace our family tree back to the 1600's." How many people do you know that can say as much in so few words?

Author Joseph Yakel, third generation New Yorker, presents this unique historical account with a keen eye toward detail in every way. After more than five years of extensive research, Yakel said he is excited to finally offer this reference book to others interested in genealogical research. "This book effort was truly a work of love for me. It's the product of an intense desire to re-discover aspects of the JACKEL-JECKEL history that had been obscured by the span of time." He added, "Now that their history has been revealed in print, I expect that the story will continue to evolve. What I have written is much more than a compilation of names, dates and places. Rather, it is the rich, living history of a strong people, who, through the conduct of their own lives, have helped to shape us into the people we are today. And this is why, even at 460-odd pages, I don't consider it a 'done-deal'. There is always more to contribute to the story."

Yakel continued, "The link to our past is surely as important as the link to our future. Our history defines who we are. If you have ever looked in a mirror and asked why you look as you do, or questioned why your family practices a particular faith, or pondered the reason behind a particular medical condition in the family, on some level, you have sought out your family history. Research can answer those questions, and many others. In the end, genealogical research is a way for us to preserve our ancestry for future generations to cherish, and pass on."

Over 460 pages in length, this chronology is packed full of otherwise unavailable reference materials and information. It contains more than 170 photographs, maps, property indentures, birth, marriage, death and other church records, directory listings, tax rolls, census data, and more. In addition, the book includes sections on German/Prussian history, as well as historical data on the Albany, NY area, where the family re-settled in the mid-19th century. With dozens of names and references fully indexed, Yakel opines that this book may well be the MOST comprehensive work on these particular families ever written.

"The JACKEL, JECKEL, JAECKEL, IEKEL, YAKEL Family History Book" is available in hardcopy or downloadable format, and can be purchased from Lulu.com publishing at: http://www.lulu.com/content/112674

For additional works by this author, visit: http://www.lulu.com/yakel

Book Details:
ISBN: 1-4116-2715-6
Download: PDF (55543 kb)
Printed: 464 pages, 8.5 x 11.0 in., Perfect-bound, 60# white interior paper, black and white interior ink, 100# white exterior paper, full-color (CMYK) exterior
License: Standard Copyright License
Copyright Year: © 2005 Joseph Yakel
Language: English

About the Author:
Among his credits, Joe has three books. He describes two of them as 'serious' genealogy works. The Autograph Memories of Mary Yakel (December 2004) details the 19th century memoir of his grand aunt. The JACKEL, JECKEL, JAECKEL, IEKEL, YAKEL Family History Book (March 2005) is a family chronology, tracing 350 years of his Rheinish ancestry. Joe categorizes his third work, The Legend of Juggin Joe (March 2005) as a 'country boy comedy / melodrama' written with a corresponding country dialogue.First published in 1998, Joe's articles have appeared in publications such as Communications Technology, The Pipeline, and Army Reserve Magazine. His articles have also been highlighted on USAWOA Online, USAR Online, and other Internet websites.

His books can be previewed and purchased at:http://www.lulu.com/yakel