"Magnolia is a mosaic of American life woven through a series of comic and poignant vignettes. Through a collusion of coincidence, chance, human action, shared media, past history and divine intervention, nine people will weave and warp through each other's lives on a day that builds to an unforgettable climax. Some will seek forgiveness, others escape. Some will mend frayed bonds, others will be exposed"--Back of container.

"John Doe," a genial and aimless tramp, is hoaxed into protesting against existing social evils as a newspaper circulation stunt. He pleas to the "little man" for brotherly love and democratic good will. Because of his simple sincerity, he becomes a national hero; John Doe clubs are formed and a spontaneous movement begins. John Doe is shocked when he discovers that it's all a plot by the owner of the paper, who plans to use the voting strength of...

Four separate, interwoven stories, unified by the common theme of man's inhumanity to fellow man. The Babylonian story deals with the fall of Babylon in 538 B.C. The Judean story treats the life of Christ. The French story centers on the Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Day in 1572. The modern story is set in an American mill town and the slum area of an American city.

Rock Banyon becomes the prime suspect in the double murder of his occasional lover, Fresno Foxglove, who is found dead with another man. Panicked, Rock splits for Mexico, where he reunites with his one-time big band singer, Delores DeWinter. With 72 hours to clear his name or fry in the electric chair, Rock and Delores embark on a dangerous quest for the truth that takes them into an abyss of sex, drugs, betrayal, and, of course, jazz.

Haunted by memories of a recent affair, securities advisor Robert Harrison feels a growing sense of alienation from his wife Myrna and their sons Michael and Guy. As Michael embraces radical politics and Guy becomes dangerously isolated from his peers, Robert remains largely oblivious, distracted by visions of his recent mistress and other infidelities. As confidence in Robert fades, the family spirals out of control, which paves the way for a shocking,...

Four separate stories are interwoven: the fall of Babylon, the death of Christ, the massacre of the Huguenots and a contemporary drama, all crosscut and building with enormous energy to a thrilling chase and finale.