Vidal provides a series of portraits of American presidents designed to give a unique twist to the understanding of history:

Of the Constitutional Convention, which was actually a meeting of landowners frantic to prevent both monarchy and true democracy, establishing instead something they all agreed on: "the best sort of government for white Anglo-Saxon Protestant men of property to do business."

Of George Washington, the man who acquired "his fortune in the most honest way--he married it."

Of Jefferson, who owned several of his children who were born to his slaves. Flashing forward to today, it makes one wonder just what Independent Prosecutor Kenneth Starr is so upset about concerning the current president--whose middle name is also Jefferson.

From Lincoln, who assumed dictatorial powers during the Civil War, to Teddy Roosevelt, who Vidal calls the rhetorical precursor to Mussolini, the underpinnings of the ruthless reasons of state are starkly--and entertainingly--exposed.