Virginia can be a genealogist's nightmare. This state from which so
many American families sprang has been a maze of counties that hold or
held vital records. Since its founding, at least 172 counties have
existed in Virginia; at present there are about 100. Many were created
from counties, and some have since merged with others, changed their
names, or become parts of Kentucky and West Virginia.

Well-aware of the problem of researching Virginia, Morgan P. Robinson
early in this century compiled ``Virginia Counties: Those Resulting
from Virginia Legislation,'' which appeared in 1916 in three issues of
the ``Bulletin of the Virginia State Library.''

Republished in book form, this detailed and extensive collection of
information is aimed at pointing you to the right places to find the
vital data.

The first part of the book lists the counties in chronological order
of founding -- the first ones in 1634 and the last in 1880 -- and what
each was formed from. The second part makes use of maps to show how
counties were formed, and how settlement moved westward through the
state.

Finally, there is a ``genealogy'' of the state's counties, showing
which counties sprang from which -- sometimes into four or five
``generations.''

There's also a general history of Virginia's county system, including
how they got their names, and an extensive bibliography of county
histories and historical articles, arranged by county. The entire
283-page volume is fully indexed.

Anyone delving into Virginia records will find Mr. Robinson's work
indispensable. Copies may be obtained from genealogical suppliers or
societies, or directly from Genealogical Publishing Company, Dept. SM,
1001 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202-3897 (1-800-296-6687).
The hardbound costs $25 plus $3 postage and handling.--J.F.S.