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Evidence!, provides the family history researcher with a reliable standard for both the correct form of source citation
and the sound analysis of evidence. In successful genealogical research, these two practices are inseparable, and the author's treatment of this little-understood
concept is nothing short of brilliant. This dual-track theme is introduced early on, and is best summed up in a few choice paragraphs from the introduction:
"Successful research--research that yields correct information with a minimum of wasted time and funds--depends upon a sound analysis of evidence. Source
citation is fundamental, but it is not enough. The validity of any piece of evidence cannot be analyzed if its source is unknown. Citing a worthless source is an
effort that produces worthless results. "Research, evidence, citation, and analysis are inseparable. Evidence is the vehicle that moves our research from curiosity
to reality. Citation and analysis are the twin highways that get us there, smoothly and safely. "Evidence! tries to strip away much of the confusion that
researchers experience in this adventure. It offers a road map for beginners, who hope to avoid mistakes, and guideposts for the advanced, who already
appreciate the need to map their own course precisely. . . . "Evidence! stems from the belief that most researchers want to do good work.
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