Farmers and Nobles by Robert Sorrentino 

Farmers and Nobles is a prime example of what can be accomplished in the field of genealogical research. Author Sorrentino, a retired banker and successful podcaster, shows us how it is done. If you are interested in tracing your genealogy, this is a book for you.

The beginning of Mr. Sorrentino’s quest was the serendipitous discovery of a picture postcard sent from Italy to his grandfather in the early 1900’s. One question about the photo led to another and before long his quest became an obsession. He refers to it as a “calling.” Bringing our ancestors out of the past and into the present is a way of honoring them. Through marriage and birth records, Mr. Sorrentino was able to trace his ancestry back through hundreds of years. He traced two of his family lines, one side of the family finds its roots in the land, the other in nobility. Thus, the title of the book.

Perhaps the most important chapter in the book is toward the end. Research Primer explains many of the tools and methods he used to find these amazing records. He also includes photos from the archives so you can see what you are getting into. With patience and persistence,Author Sorrentino found his way to helpful resources which he names specifically in this chapter. Among them are: Antenati, Angelfire, trecanni.it, Libro di Oro Mediterranean, familysearch.org, Bella Italia Genealogy and more.

Of particular excitement for the author is his guided Grand Rooting Trip. With a guide he travelled throughout Italy visiting his roots, his ancestral places, and meeting long-lost relatives. A perfect culmination of years of genealogical research…a well-spent retirement!

Even if you are not into genealogy, this book is a treat and a worth-while read. Since Author Sorrentino traces his noble line back to numerous famous ruling houses of Italy, he provides us with historical sketches refreshing our knowledge of Italy’s long and complex history.