A book of short stories may not, these days, be fashionable in publishing eyes. The sixteen presented here are not just a good read, they are helpful to those learning the art of clinical medicine. And if there is also an interesting history the book will be intriguing and helpful reading. The author has with skill spread this book over 100 years to give a clinical picture seen in a variety of ills and their sequelae in chronological order, 1910 to present day. While perhaps the emphasis is on such cases and emergencies once seen more often by the family practitioner, as in one story of toxaemia of pregnancy and in a primapara of 36 years, in the year 1941. This is told through family eyes and is a masterly piece of writing on an important aspect of obstetrics.