Escaping religious persecution in England in the early 1600s, young Edmund Steed flees his homeland in pursuit of freedom and the New World. After joining Captain John Smith on his courageous journey, Steed establishes a remarkable family whose lives parallel the formation of America. Through the extraordinary tale of one man's quest, Michener tells intertwining stories of family and national heritage, introducing us along the way to Quakers, slaves, abolitionists, pirates, planters, and famous politicians, all struggling through American history in the common pursuit of freedom.