When a nuclear bomb destroys the White House and devastates Washington, D.C, Army colonel Caesare Appleton becomes the Emperor of the United States in this political satire from the author of Prizzi’s Honor.

In the aftermath of an assumed nuclear accident that destroys Washington, D.C., an Army colonel steps up to assume command of the nation. Or, so he thinks.

At the same time, the Royalist Party and the National Rifle Association take responsibility for the accidental atomic explosion, but that doesn’t reveal itself to be the case, leaving the citizens of the United States confused and lost in the midst of a tragedy.

As the nation begins to crumble in the wake of the nuclear attack, including bank failures, crumbling airlines, and the threat of disasters across the world, Caesare Appleton is not so sure he has the power to control the country as he once thought he did.

This bestselling international tale of politics has it all from cocaine, the mafia, and abortion to sibling rivalry and momism. Condon has penned a tale of the American scene and presidency with “humor that is wild enough to work” (The New York Times).