Legacy (Michener novel)

1987 novel by James Michener

Legacy

First edition

Author| James Michener
Language| English
Genre| Historical novel
Publisher| Random House

Publication date

| 1987
Publication place| United States
Media type| Print (Hardback)
Pages| 176pp.
ISBN| 0-394-56432-4

Legacy (1987) is a novel by American author James A. Michener. Set during the Iran–Contra affair of the 1980s, the story follows Major Norman Starr, who is called to testify in front of a congressional committee to account for his involvement in covert military actions. The novel is interspersed with historical "flashbacks" as Major Starr reflects on his ancestors and their own roles in American history.

## Chapters

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1. The Starrs
2. Jared Starr: 1726–1787 Jahayver
3. Simon Starr: 1759–1809
4. Justice Edmund Starr: 1780–1847
5. General Hugh Starr: 1833–1921
6. Emily Starr: 1858–1932
7. Richard Starr: 1890–1954
8. Rachel Denham Starr: 1928–
9. Norman Starr: 1951–
10. The Constitution of the United States

## Development history

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The novel was published by Random House in 1987. At the time, it was Michener's shortest novel.[1]

## Reception

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Legacy received mixed reception from critics upon release. The Associated Press was positive, describing the story as being "packed with fascinating detail."[2] United Press International was similarly positive, describing the book as inspiring readers "to re-read the Constitution."[3] The Los Angeles Times described the book as having a dramatic ending but criticized some factual errors in the novel's historical sections.[1] The Christian Science Monitor criticized the book for reflecting Michener's personal politics, which the article described as a "conservative viewpoint."[4]

## References

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1. ^ a b Ehrlichman, John (September 13, 1987). "Patriots Don't Take the Fifth: LEGACY by James A. Michener". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
2. ^ "Michener Blends Fact, Fiction In Latest Book". Asheville Citizen-Times. Asheville, North Carolina. October 11, 1987. p. 92. Retrieved October 20, 2024 - via Newspapers.com.
3. ^ "Michener trails North 'Legacy'". The Arizona Republic. Phoenix, Arizona. August 30, 1987. p. 74. Retrieved October 20, 2024 - via Newspapers.com.
4. ^ Spitzer, Jane Stewart (September 4, 1987). "Fiction as imagined fact. Michener's paean to patriots". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved October 20, 2024.

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James A. Michener

Novels|

* The Fires of Spring (1949)
* The Bridges at Toko-ri (1953)
* Sayonara (1954)
* Hawaii (1959)
* Caravans (1963)
* The Source (1965)
* The Drifters (1971)
* Centennial (1974)
* Chesapeake (1978)
* The Watermen (1979)
* The Covenant (1980)
* Space (1982)
* Poland (1983)
* Texas (1985)
* Legacy (1987)
* Alaska (1988)
* Caribbean (1989)
* Journey (1989)
* The Novel (1991)
* South Pacific (1992)
* Mexico (1992)
* Recessional (1994)
* Miracle in Seville (1995)
* Matecumbe (2007)

Non-fiction|

* The Voice of Asia (1951)
* The Bridge at Andau (1957)
* Rascals in Paradise (1957)
* Iberia (1968)
* Collectors, Forgers – And A Writer: A Memoir (1983)
* The Eagle and the Raven (1990)
* My Lost Mexico (1992)
* The World Is My Home (1992)
* Literary Reflections (1993)

Short story collections|

* Tales of the South Pacific (1947)
* Return to Paradise (1951)

Adaptations|

* South Pacific (musical) (1949)
* The Bridges at Toko-Ri (1953)
* Return to Paradise (1953)
* Sayonara (1957)
* Until They Sail (1957)
* South Pacific (film) (1958)
* Adventures in Paradise (1959-1962)
* Hawaii (1966)
* The Hawaiians (1970)
* Centennial (1978)
* Space (1985)
* Texas (1994)
* South Pacific (film) (2001)

Related|

* Mari Yoriko Sabusawa (wife)
* Michener Center for Writers
* Journey Prize
* James A. Michener Art Museum

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