1930s: The United States is in a severe economic depression triggered by a stock market crash. Poverty and unemployment are widespread; hunger is common.

1970s: The United States is in a recession triggered by an oil shortage. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) raises prices and cuts production to punish the United States and Europe for their support of Israel. Economic growth slows, and inflation and unemployment are high.

Today: The U.S. economy faces uncertainty. The longest period of prosperity in the nation's history appears to be over as economic growth slows, the stock market is rocked by instability, and the country becomes involved in war overseas.

1930s: At a time when people have little or no money, and before the age of electronic entertainment, storytelling is a widely practiced and much appreciated art. When people have leisure time, they are likely...