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The Compendium of American Genealogy is the most important collection of American lineage records ever published, easily deserving its reputation (as well as its subtitle) as the genealogical encyclopedia of the first families of America. Originally a project of Marquis's Who's Who in America, though later taken under the wing of the Institute of American Genealogy, the Compendium was the brainchild of Frederick A. Virkus, who guided its publication for more than two decades with the express purpose of producing a standard genealogical history of the United States.

In keeping with its stated aim, the Compendium contains the lineage records of the first families of America, with records extending in both male and female lines from the earliest-known immigrant ancestor to the then (1925-1942) living subject of the record. According to the first census there were about 650,000 families living in the United States in 1790, practically every one of which was of colonial or Revolutionary stock and thus entitled to be numbered among America's "First Families." Every lineage in the Compendium, therefore, spans at least eight or nine generations. While not all families are represented, almost every name distinguished in any way in the early history of the country will be found within its pages.

The Compendium was compiled largely from lineage records and manuscript genealogies submitted by individuals selected for inclusion, many illustrated with photographs, portraits, and coats of arms. Each record was checked and edited, then typed up in the form of a "proof" and returned to the submitter for final review before ultimately being printed in one of the volumes. Thus prepared at great expense of time and labor, and with painstaking care, the seven massive volumes of the Compendium contain more than 54,000 lineage records, with indexes listing upwards of 425,000 names, making it, without doubt, the first reference and research source in American genealogy. While every genealogical line as published can scarcely be said to be correct, it still stands as the major published record of American ancestry and forms a complete genealogical library in itself.

Praise for the Compendium

"These . . . volumes form a genealogical library in themselves; the amount of genealogical information is extraordinary. All parts of the country are included, and no searcher for genealogical information in any of the old original thirteen colonies could fail to find something of interest, in some of his lines. It would, of course, be unwise to state that every genealogical line as published is correct, for errors are bound to be made; but in general the book is remarkable for its accuracy and careful editorship."--The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record

"This work is recommended as an important addition to any genealogical collection."--American Reference Books Annual, 1988

"One of the first reference sources in American genealogy. It is a major source of information on immigrants to America before 1750."--P.W. Filby, American & British Genealogy & Heraldry, 3rd ed.

"Not all books come up to what they profess to be, but Mr. Virkus' work comes as near the mark as could well be expected. While not all families that are entitled to it are included, practically every name distinguished in the early history of the country will be found within its pages . . . . There is no doubt that Mr. Virkus has done an excellent work, showing great patience in the collection of facts, and sincerely desiring to be exact. This book is a genealogical library in itself."--Tyler's Quarterly

Note: Due to the considerable expense involved in printing the Compendium, the work is not likely to be reprinted for a number of years. Customers are advised to place their orders for this limited paperback edition of the Compendium while supplies last.

Note to libraries and book dealers: Due to the special price on the complete set, no discount is available on the Compendium

See our Family Archive CD 7200 for images from the pages of all seven volumes of The Compendium.