Ragtime is set in the first decade at the turn of the 20th century, and The Book of Daniel is set during the Rosenberg trials, before the McCarthyism Era. .
In Ragtime, Doctorow frequently makes references to historical people and events prominent during that time period. However, it wasn't uncommon to encounter modified interpretations, or even entire fabrications of what happened. In this way, the story takes on a kind of fantasy as well as dealing with the bias of so-called historical accounts. Doctorow's interpretation of history is one filled with many perspectives. The reader might at first be intimidated as they are being inundated by the points of view of the upper-middle class, or of the poor immigrant trying to make a living making silhouette art. Perhaps one will find meaning in the inquisitive nature of the young boy who critically analyzes what is changing around him. The thoughts and views of some prominent men like Ford, Houdini, and Morgan provide insight, and these powerful men of society, aren't so dominant as once thought. These views allow one not only to see what happened back in the turn of the century, but gives insight to why these things did happened. Through this process of this unique form of narration, the reader gets more analysis of the characters, as well as the historical background that led to the character's decisions. Like Doctorow said, narration gives light to history in that it opens up an unknown view, and all bits of information are essential to the development of one's own opinion. .
The 1960's were a tumultuous time for America. Protests, vocal opinions, and new thinking lead to the creation of what came to become the New Left. This is the landscape that Doctorow uses to create The Book of Daniel. Doctorow's opinions on social and political issues can be felt in many passages of this text. The story of a young boy, the main character Daniel struggles with life and coming to terms with his past.