The Fifties in America covers these and many other topics in its 640 essays, which range from half-column articles on individual personages, books, events, films, court cases, and other subjects, to 7-page overviews on such subjects as literature, economics, education, politics, medicine, music, science, film and television. Written with the needs of students and general readers in mind, the articles present clear discussions of the topics, explaining terms and references that may be unfamiliar to contemporary readers.