From Author's Note: "..this work began as an exercise in recall...of some of the events that have shaped the world we live in." It certainly is that. It is a first person account of intimate participation in a circle of powerful leaders from Harry Truman to presidents up to Jimmie Carter. The heavy detail is on the Democrats, but there is commentary on some Republicans as well. Clifford's position as an "advisor" to all of them and during Johnson's administration holding the high cabinet position as Secretary of Defense placed him in the center of the action in the White House during all the momentous events of the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and all the social crises the country faced from the end of WWII to the 90's. It is an easy read, full of important facts, and generous trivia about the inner workings of presidential administrations. Highly recommended reading.