Glenn T. Seaborg is world famous for his work on the chemistry of the synthetic transuranium elements, for which he shared a Nobel prize in 1951. In 1997, he was honored by having element 106, seaborgium, named after him. Seaborg served as an adviser to 10 presidents, beginning with Franklin D. Roosevelt. He knew most of these presidents personally, often on a first-name basis. In this book he gives us an insider's look at national policy-making at the highest levels of government.

In this "cruise down memory lane", Seaborg draws heavily from his own daily diary to provide first-hand accounts of his years advising presidents. He gives us an important look at the evolution of national arms control, science, education, and nuclear policies.