Benjamin Roth was a lawyer in Youngstown, Ohio, when the stock market crashed in 1929. Two years later he decided to keep a diary to detail the effects that the financial collapse had on himself, his neighbors, and the nation. Mr. Roth kept his diary for ten years. His son, Daniel Roth, and James Ledbetter edited the diary, The Great Depression: A Diary (PublicAffairs; October 13, 2009). They talked about the book and similarities to those times s well as the differences due to the support structure that exist to mitigate financial stresses now. They responded to questions from members of the audience.

James Ledbetter is the editor of Slate.com's "The Big Money" and was formerly managing editor of CNNMoney.com

Daniel Roth is the chairman of the law firm Roth, Blair, Roberts, Strasfeld & Lodge in Youngstown, Ohio. He is the son of Benjamin Roth.