An anthology of previously uncollected essays, originally published in "The New Yorker," reflects the work of the eminent journalist's early career and traces his witness to the fledgling years of desegregation in Georgia.

Introduction -- Jackson, 1964 (JACKSON, MS, 1964) -- The Zulus (NEW ORLEANS, LA, 1964) -- During the thirty-third week of National Guard patrols (WILMINGTON, DE, 1968) -- A hearing : "In the matter of disciplinary action involving certain students of Wisconsin State University Oshkosh" (OSHKOSH, WI, 1968) -- Doing the right thing isn't always easy (DENVER, CO, 1969) -- Categories (PROVO, UT, 1970) -- G.T. Miller's plan (LUVERNE, AL, 1970) -- Not super-outrageous (HOUSTON, TX, 1970) -- Victoria Delee : in her own words (DORCHESTER COUNTY, SC, 1971) -- Kawaida (NEWARK, NJ, 1972) -- Causes and circumstances (SEATTLE, WA, 1975) -- The unpleasantness at Whimsey's (BOSTON, MA, 1976) -- Remembrance of moderates past (1977) -- Black or white Louisiana (1986) -- The color of blood (LONG ISLAND, NY, 2008) -- State secrets (MISSISSIPPI, 1995).