Prologue, the American -- Paving the way, 1945-1980 -- First term : taxes, deficits, and politics, 1981-1984 -- Work and life, 1981-1989 -- Second term : triumph, disaster, and recovery, 1985-1989 -- If things are so good, why do I feel so bad? 1981-1989 -- Conclusion, change and continuity.