Inspired by Barack Obama's groundbreaking use of the internet to engage with citizens during his presidential campaign, guardian.co.uk asked internet users to share their personal messages to Obama via the same medium. What did they want to say to him, immediately following his historic election win: a greeting; a warning; some sage (or silly) advice? All people had to do to participate was take a photograph.

Within days, hundreds of images had been brought together on photo-sharing site Flickr, revealing the hopes, fears, passion and creativity of contributors from all ages, political, social and economic backgrounds, and all corners of the world.

This book brings together some of the most interesting, funny, representative and thought-provoking messages as a lasting reminder of a truly historic time.