The book was written much as you would have, if you went up to the attic and came across an old trunk, full of items and photographs long forgotten, and you decided to go through it. For instance, the photos are not restored, they are JUST AS FOUND and in THAT ORDER. AT THAT STAGE YOU DONT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS or KNOW ALL THE PEOPLE, but you have puzzles; although the majority of these were her mother's ancestors. She also came across packets of letters and small antique items. Some are included that happen to explain the photographs and are of historical interest. The rare photography that was marginally "lost," has been restored enough to make out some of the faces; they are over a hundred year's old. This will encourage some people in deciding what to do with "their own trunk of treasures," by initially looking at these, before evaluating their's. It can be used as a self-help guide. Sometimes you learn so much from memoirs, journals, diaries, letters, notes, about past history! The vivid word pictures and thoughts can be so expressive they transport you back to another time and place. An opportunity to read through old letters is always a good way to learn more about the past times and even perhaps how people lived during those years. When people are ill or have time on their hands, if they have reminisced in writing, it can be a wonderful view into their life. Such were a few letters included in with photographs! As the historical parts are shared, they paint a wonderful portrait of life in the early 1900's for one person; her mother, Nellie Wolff Trotzky. In one letter, she shares her memories of being a small child and what it was like at the time her baby brother was just born, and how her family lived then as she recalled, when births were "at home." Then there are some family portraits that make it possible to actually see some of the things that she discussed in the letters. She talked about a "slab porch" on the front of her home, and suddenly through viewing the old photograph from her description, you can understand exactly what she meant; as you see it in front of you. It is very enlightening to realize without the photograph and letter together, you could not have understood some of the most simplistic things. You will see photographs of ghost towns when they were thriving, and empty. Her family lived in the midst of them. This is a rare opportunity to view people, places and clothing that you cannot exactly "drive by and visit" any more; but this book gives you that chance! The clothing from the 1880s-1950's worn in these photographs is discussed and all vintage clothing appraisals are valid. Shelley shares 65 hats from her own personal vintage hat collection as a bonus; all on vintage hatheads. ENJOY!