This book traces the stories of nine families who at different stages through history achieved much prominence in Cork. The family stories extend from the War of Independence to World War I to Cromwell, the Battle of Kinsale and further back in time to the ancient Irish clans. The family stories from the War of Independence include the burning of a number of Big Houses. There are multiple stories of family scandals, including marital infidelity with profound family consequences, as well as major frauds in both mining and banking. While most of the families are natives of Cork, two are of Kerry origin who later became domiciled in Cork. 

Overall, the stories provide a revealing snapshot of Irish family history through the generations. These stories are published now as there is a clear danger that otherwise some would recede into the mists of time and soon be lost forever.