This volume investigates how American historical events and societal shifts from 1900 to 1970 are reflected, interpreted, and preserved within the medium of fiction. The authors, Myles L. Clowers and Warren A. Beck, utilize a curated selection of literary excerpts to bridge the gap between academic historical record and the subjective experience of the era. By organizing these selections, they provide a framework for analyzing the cultural climate of the United States through the lens of its novelists.

This work is recognized as a pedagogical tool for students of American history who wish to incorporate primary literary sources into their studies. Scholars note that while the selection is specific to the mid-20th century, it remains a useful reference for understanding the intersection of creative writing and historical documentation.