Forgotten Voices collects examples of the most beautiful and profound poetry from writers who were born, grew up, and lived in Jefferson County in the 19th and very early 20th centuries. Topics range from the pastoral picturesqueness of the area, to the wonders of nature, to the heartache of loss. Volume 2 has also added essays from two important voices in the history of the United States.

Essayists Drusilla Dunjee Houston and Dr. Martin Robinson Delany are featured, along with poets John Esten Cooke, Virginia Bedinger Lucas, John Peale Bishop, and Danske Dandridge.