Wills tell stories. Looking at the will of an individual tells us something about that person. Looking at the wills of several people in a community tells us plenty about their society. Hilarious home-made edicts that threaten to disinherit unruly children, widows being cut off for disgracing themselves, fathers handing down businesses to sons, heartfelt gifts for kindness given - it's all covered here. The author strikes a wonderful balance between entertainment and legal information.