While the French Army in Indo-China is grappling with the Vietminh, back in Saigon a young and high-minded American named Pyle begins to channel economic aid to a "Third Force." Caught between French colonialists and the Vietminh, Fowler, the narrator and seasoned foreign correspondent, observes: "I never knew a man who had better motives for all the trouble he caused." As young Pyle's policies blunder on into bloodshed, the older man finds it impossible...

The author of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer enjoys an unexpected fantasy as a 19th century Yankee finds himself whisked back in time to an age of chivalry and knighthood with some unusual consequences.

Was to hide with a peaceful tribe, however, they encounter an encampment of man-eating Typees. The Typees lavish them with good will. The boys soon learn they are prisoners, not guests. Their benevolent hosts are unyielding captors.