New York City's oldest neighbourhoods are downtown, where scores of timeworn ads have improbably survived for decades.

These "ghost signs" hold the secrets of businesses and products that vanished decades ago. Clues to our jobs, schools, places of worship, cafes, and concert halls lurk in their faded outlines.

Journalist and television producer Frank Mastropolo brings more than 100 of these signs to life through insightful commentary on the history of downtown's distinct neighbourhoods and the eclectic businesses that anchored them during the first half of the 20th century.

The collection offers an important and timely look at New York City's rich economic and social fabric, especially today, when long-established businesses are rapidly being priced out of their neighbourhoods.