It's been 10 years since glam-rock superstar Brian Slade faked his own death and vanished from the spotlight. Now, it's the job of an investigative reporter to locate this living legend and uncover the truth behind his disappearance!

This is the story of working class hero Southern demagogue Willie Stark--rising from the mud of the back country--and his long climb to the top, followed by his longer drop to the bottom. Abetted by newspaper reporter Jack Burden, who becomes his chronicler, Stark's career begins with running for county treasurer and losing. Through law school, private practice, and finally as people's advocate against corruption, he moves up the political ladder....