1920s: Spiritualism, the belief in the supernatural accompanied by attempts to contact spirits of the dead, becomes very popular after World War I. Many churches and societies feature some form of spiritualistic belief.

1990s: Closely aligned with New Age beliefs, spiritualism becomes popular again, particularly in the United States. Putting a new spin on spiritualism, many modern-day channelers are as apt to attempt to contact extraterrestrials or spirits from ancient mythic societies as they are to try to communicate with recently deceased relatives.

Early 1940s: The Battle of Britain, the air war fought between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe, rages over Great Britain. Bowen writes "The Demon Lover" after the German Blitzkrieg; her protagonist, Mrs. Drover, symbolizes the desperation that many feel.

1998: World War II remains a popular theme for stories. Saving Private Ryan, a realistic treatment of the D-Day invasion...