The method to the madness: Donald Trump's ascent as told by those who were hired, fired, inspired--and inaugurated

Reformed: 1999-2000. At a crossroads, Trump test-markets Trump the political brand

Playing the part: 2000-2010. Trump finds a TV persona, sharpens his skills at attacking rivals, and grows in national stature

Settling on a political voice: 2010-2013. Trump builds a political team and slowly learns the power of social media

The race before the race: 2013-2014. A productive detour onto the gubernatorial trail in New York

To the escalator: 2014-2015. A popularist politician emerges

Epilogue: The centre cannot hold.

Part one: Reformed: 1999-2000 : at a crossroads, Trump test-markets Trump the political brand. Introduction: Yes, there is a method ; Tipster ; The tough and tireless Roger Stone ; Ross for boss ; The America we deserve ; The Trump RV ; Standing Pat ; I pledge I will not rename the White House ; The unreformed

Part two: Playing the part: 2000-2010 : Trump finds a TV persona, sharpens his skills at attacking rivals, and grows in national stature. C.E.O. ; Bound for glory ; The N-word ; Trump ascendant ; Wolfgang does not have any recollection ; Below the belt ; Staying tuned

Part three: Settling on a political voice: 2010-2013 : Trump builds a political team and slowly learns the power of social media. Creating a brain trust ; A party Trump likes the sound of ; Born in the USA ; Roasted ; The twitterer ; Remaining a player

Part four: The race before the race: 2013-2014 : a productive detour onto the gubernatorial trail in New York. Sitting on the hood of a car ; Selling Trump to Trump ; Like a hurricane ; An enlightening distraction ; Staying sharp ; Flannel shirt

Part five: To the escalator: 2014-2015 : A popularist politician emerges. Outwit, outplay, outlast ; Team of apprenti ; How the wall got built ; The announcement

Epilogue: The centre cannot hold.