This book captures the beauty and history of 20 American houses that have survived the ravages of time. The dilapidated elegance imparted by old wallcoverings and faded or peeling paint, antique furniture in varying stages of repair and a respect for "how things were" is revealed in photographs. The visual impact of these houses is enhanced by text that explores the history of the architecture and "who" the houses are - the stories of the family dynasties, hauntings and elderly eccentrics who maintain the houses.