This vital collection of stories about work will be a lasting chronicle of how Americans are employed, how they find work and leave it, refuse it or scorn it, how it defines, fascinates, frustrates and ennobles us. Richard Ford’s anthology is not only compelling, but extremely timely. During this harrowing and protracted economic crisis, unprecedented in the lifetimes of America’s current workforce, our jobs have taken on increased significance as a means not only to carve out progress through the tiers of society, but as the key to personal confidence, hope for the future, and faith in the Nation. As unemployment peaks in America and headlines heralding job losses dominate the news media, this collection could not be more relevant or necessary. Contributing writers for \