Yes, yes and yes! There are so many fascinating elements to the story that there is no way you won't get comepletely obsessed with this book. I have the feeling I won't be able to put it down once I start. There is so much interesting content starting with the time period to Pigeoning which I've always been intrigued with. Yes, this book has everything I look for in a great read. I simply MUST read this book!!!