The Federal Reserve--the central bank of the U.S.--has long been shrouded in mystery and controversy. Its deliberations and actions have often occurred far from the public eye, yet its decisions have a profound impact on ordinary citizens. This book introduces readers to the history, structure, and operations of the Fed and shows exactly how its decisions impact both the nation''s economy and its citizens. As the Fed makes its deliberations and decision-making more and more transparent to the public, and as the nation continues its recovery from the recession, this book could not be more timely or needful.