This book delves into some unusual aspects of Brighton's history that are not readily found elsewhere. There is the fascinating story of the Metropole Hotel from its construction to its role in the Second World War. It covers the origin of the Veteran Car Run, Alfred Vanderbilt's magnificent horses and coaches, the Gaiety Girls plus the recollections of people who worked there. Then there are the lifeboats once to be found on Brighton beach in Victorian times with tales of ships in distress in terrible conditions and the men who manned the lifeboats including the famous Captain Collins.

Genealogy is popular today and here you will find the saga of the Vallance family, a name still remembered in the city. The Vallances produced doctors, soldiers, an inventor and were landowners and shipowners too. They ran a notable brewery in West Street and owned many pubs. But they were benevolent employers presenting the inn keepers and beer sellers with a turkey at Christmas while every employee enjoyed free beef and beer.