As Major Norman Starr is about to appear before a congressional committee to publicly account for his covert actions, he recalls the heritage of his ancestors and the role they played in the true glory of America. Bestselling author James Michener has painted a timeless family portrait and an eloquent lesson in American history.

Discusses events leading up to the 1986 Iran-Contra scandal, wherein the Reagan administration sold guns to Iran in exchange for hostages and assisted rebels trying to overthrow the government of Nicaragua.