Tales of Youth and Age chronicles the evolution of an American generation from childhood to old age. Thirteen different short stories narrate the lives of multiple protagonists as they experience the naive optimism of youth and the 1950s, the disillusionment and rebellion of the 60s, the scramble for wealth and status of the 70s and 80s, and the inevitable disappointment and frustration of middle age, and the gradual turn towards resignation, acceptance, and redemption. Still, the stories of these people ultimately become the tales of all people everywhere at every time.