I accessed teh briedge and browsed to my master IPhoto library.

 

Don't know how you did that, bridge can't view the content of the library by default, it only shows the icon for library??

Now when I try and access the libraray through IPhoto I have at least the last year's photo missing.

 

If you have deleted files using Bridge they should still be in the trash, maybe you messed with the folders in the library and did move the year folder to an other location.

I have no backup and these are irreplaceable.

 

I'm sorry to hear that, don't think you should be in panic right now, there is still a lot to investigate, just don't empty the trash and try to investigate further.

For instance use the finder and select the iPhoto library, Then use right mouse click and from the menu choose show package content. Navigate through the files and find either the folder called Masters (or originals, believe they changed the name once)

Inhere should be different folders for each year containing a lot of subfolders. Copy (Copy, don't remove!) these folders to a new folder outside the iPhoto library and point bridge to this new main folder. Then in bridge go to the menu View and choose show items from subfolders and let Bridge cache. Then see what has been left of your files.

Also open the trash (click on on the icon in the Dock) and see if there is a folder with the year called or other files you recognize. Just drag them out of the trash to a new location.

In general, it is not a question of if your HD is going to die but when, they all die, some sooner then to be expected. Also the human factor is by far from trusted so always, (always!!!) make a back up of important files!!

And don't try to mix iPhoto and Elements/Bridge without learning more about this way of working, iPhoto uses a library with hidden files and creates a lot of spin off with different versions, thumbs sizes etc. they are by default not developed to work together