1962: The space race is going ahead with full force. The first American orbits around the earth this year.

Today: Space travel is taken for granted and is hardly noted in the news. The international space station has humans in orbit around the earth at all times.

1962: Infant mortality—the number of children who die before they reach one year of age—averages 26 out of 1000 in America. This number is even higher in rural areas and for children born outside of hospitals.

Today: Modern medical procedures have the infant mortality rate below 8 in 1000.

1962:A wealthy aviation enthusiast, like the novel's Heywood Betts, might have a small, propeller-driven biplane, with passengers' heads exposed in the open breeze.

Today: A wealthy aviation enthusiast would own a Cessna or Piper private jet.

1962: Popular music is dominated by white artists. In the coming years, black musicians will...