A move to a different town or school gives us new places to explore, new people to meet; a lost pet means we have to organize a careful search; baby-sitting requires looking out for dangers a young child can't foresee; a car crash or fire demands that we get help immediately.

History often reads as a hard and grim experience. But people are remarkably resilient and funny, even when the going is very hard.

I think my ancestors had to be enormously strong emotionally and very courageous.

I don't think many of us face the same sort of physical adventures our ancestors did, at least not on a daily basis.

When you spend a year or two researching a subject, and you're still fascinated by it, that's a good indicator that what you're doing will appeal to others, as well.

'West To A Land Of Plenty' shows a family heading west, first on board a train, and then going into areas as yet untamed by rail by way of an ox-drawn wagon.