The novel's central section turns to Outland, and recounts in first-person the story of his exploration of an ancient cliff city in New Mexico.

The bottom section recounts the virtues of Hercules.

The first section, "The Dream" recounts a conversation between Guinevere and Lancelot in which she describes her dream of a snake that coils around the pair and binds them together; it ends with Lancelot heading to a tournament.

The book also includes essays on autobiography and diaries, and a final section recounts Holroyd's tribulations as a literary figure.

The third section recounts the war with continental Europe and the breakdown of infrastructure.

The second section recounts the exploits of Banu Gushasp, the daughter of Rustam.

This section of the book recounts the life of the Báb, details his most significant and outstanding religious writings, describes the rise and development of the Babi Faith, and the turbulence and persecution which the followers of that faith experienced.

Told in the first person, this section recounts the terrifying story of a boy named Dale, whose mother dies when he is 3.

The final section, A Look Back, recounts an interview with a prominent public figure.

This section recounts Jesus' public ministry.