For each of the wrecks covered, a statistical sidebar provides basic information such as the dates of construction and loss, previous names (if any), tonnage and dimensions, builder and owner (at time of loss), port of registry, type of vessel and how propelled, cause of sinking, location (loran coordinates if known), and depth. In most cases, an historical photograph or illustration of the ship leads the text. Throughout the book is scattered a selection of color underwater photographs, some of the wrecks, more often of typical marine life found in the area

Each volume is full of fascinating narratives of triumph and tragedy, of heroism and disgrace, of human nature at its best and its basest. These books are not about wood and steel, but about flesh and blood, for every shipwreck saga is a human story. Ships may founder, run aground, burn, collide with other vessels, or be torpedoed by a German U-boat. In every case, however, what is emphatically important is what happened to the people who became victims of casualty: how they survived, how they died.

Also included are descriptions of the wrecks as they appear on the bottom.

At the end of this volume is a bibliography of suggested reading, and a list of more than 400 GPS and loran numbers of wrecks in and adjacent to the area covered

Wrecks covered in Shipwrecks of Delaware and Maryland(2002 Edition) are: DELAWARE: Asenath A. Shaw, B.F. Macomber, Brinkburn (and Siam), Brooklyn, Cherokee, China Wreck, City of Georgetown, Cleopatra, Crystal Wave, De Braak, Elizabeth Palmer, Faithful Steward, Gypsum Prince, Hvoslef, India Arrow, Jacob Jones, John R. Williams, King Cobra, Misty Blue, Mohawk, Moonstone, New Orleans, Nina, Northern Pacific, Poseidon, S-5, Sarah W. Lawrence, Singleton Palmer, Southern Sword, Sutton, and Thomas Tracy MARYLAND: African Queen, Blenny, Galga, Gordon C. Cooke, Manhattan, Muff Diver, Oklahoma, Saetia, San Gil, Solvang, St. Augustine, Washingtonian, and W.L. Steed. Plus there are two bonus sections: one on Unidentified Wrecks, and one on Artificial Wrecks.