In two novelettes, Ford depicts knowledge and what it means to the world. In 'Americana' he carefully composed characters of the American Culture in magical realism. There is a dark wizard as an advisor to the president, an artist, and a banned comedian. The characters overlap to show a good narrative.In the second novelette, Ford diverts back to mathematical fiction and uses only one room for the setting in 'The Room' where characters arduously fight over who is the best at subjects.The two works show what knowledge is and its dangers.