This reference work contains exhaustive histories of 31 of network radio's most durable soap operas on the air between 1930 and 1960. The soap operas covered are Aunt Jenny's Real Life Stories, Backstage Wife, Big Sister, The Brighter Day, David Harum, Front Page Farrell, The Guiding Light, Hilltop House, Just Plain Bill, Life Can Be Beautiful, The Light of the World, Lora Lawton, Lorenzo Jones, Ma Perkins, One Man's Family, Our Gal Sunday, Pepper Young's Family, Perry Mason, Portia Faces Life, The Right to Happiness, Road of Life, The Romance of Helen Trent, Rosemary, The Second Mrs. Burton, Stella Dallas, This Is Nora Drake, Today's Children, Wendy Warren and the News, When a Girl Marries, Young Doctor Malone, and Young Widder Brown.

Included for each series are the drama's theme and story line, an in-depth focus on the major characters, and a listing of producers, directors, writers, announcers, casts, sponsors, ratings, and broadcast dates, times and networks. Profiles of 158 actors, actresses, creators and others who figured prominently in a serial's success are also provided.

“one of the better references on a radio genre...for all collections”—Choice; “clear writing and in-depth research”—ARBA; “an immensely readable reference work...exhaustive histories of 31 of network radio’s most durable soap operas aired”—The Centerville-Bellbrook Times; “provides exhaustive documentation”—Classic Images; “wonderful…informative...most excellent...highly recommended reading!”—Chattanooga Airwaves; “covers the realm of 31 different and diverse radio serials spanning a time period of well over 30 years...highly recommend”—The Illustrated Press; “Cox brings the ‘washboard weepers’ back to life in this detailed history”—North American Radio Archives; “entertaining…fascinating details…the perfect gift”—Radio Recall.

Jim Cox, a leading radio historian, is an award-winning author of numerous books on the subject. A retired college professor, he lives in Louisville, Kentucky.