When a mysterious science fiction author dies, his fans discover the secret behind his unusual pen name: he had been a soldier, spy, diplomat, and psychological warrior, and his stories contain far more than meets the eye.

Before his death in 1966, the science fiction community knew Cordwainer Smith as the mysterious author behind a series of strange and groundbreaking science fiction stories. No one could have guessed that "Cordwainer Smith" was the pseudonym of an influential diplomat, soldier, spy, and polyglot named Paul M.A. Linebarger. His unbelievable life began in the midst of the Chinese Revolution of 1911. His godfather was Sun Yat Sen. He wrote the CIA's manual on psychological warfare. He saved thousands of lives during the Korean War. He advised multiple presidents. He died far too soon, and his stories are too little read. However, his influence on numerous important authors from all over the world testifies to his brilliance. This film explores the unbelievable life and writing of Cordwainer Smith through the words of those who knew him and through adaptations-in-miniature of his many science fiction stories.