This is the story of Singapore's first elected chief minister and his 14 months in office, related in the context of his life and times.

In an objective, but sympathetic style, the author describes David Marshall's origins, development, professional career and political services, set against the background of Singapore's own development, and of it's turbulent political awakening and maturing in the 1950s and 1960s.

Politically, Marshall was only a shooting star, and it was left to others to provide the firm and consistent leadership which left Singapore needing to emerge as a flourishing self-supporting island state.

This, however, does not detract from the crucial role Marshall played during his short tenure of office in those turbulent years, making an important contribution to the evolution of independent Singapore.