Edgar Lee Masters was an American author and poet. He also wrote several biographies including those of Lincoln, Twain and Vachal Lindsay. This story begins with the birth of a boy. His father is away fighting in a war and his mother dies in childbirth. He is raised by his grandmother and at age 18 he must leave Eton when he learns that his father who has gone to America has died leaving him an estate in Illinois. The year is 1833 when he leaves for America.