The book is a very useful guide for Allisons, Alisons, and related families wishing to research their ancestors in America. Be aware that the validity of its information is considered spotty, sometimes relying on unnamed sources for crucial information. Also, lineages described prior to arrival in America, and the very origins of the family name, should best be thought of as educated guesses at best. Still--there exists, so far as I know, no better book of its kind for my 'kith and kin'. In fact, I'd probably give it a four-star rating, except that:

This particular publishing is essentially a photocopy of the original book, with its pages reproduced at the original size but on larger paper. Whatever method of reproduction they used renders ancestral photographs almost unviewable, and whole pages of text are reprinted askew. So three stars is as high as I go.

If you're looking for a copy to add to your library, or to pass on to your descendants, I recommend shopping for a used original (though they are very difficult to find). If you're just looking for the genealogical information, the soft-cover version is probably a better value.

Happy researching!