By the time I had finished ragtime I realized that reading the book in my mind gave me a more accurate picture of the early 20th century. Even though none of the situations may have been 100% accurate the accuracy with which Doctorow handles them teaches you as much about history as any paper on the period could. Granted you won't get a P.H.D. level of understanding from books such as ragtime, but for the plebeian with a basic grasp of history Ragtime is perfect. Because for me the best understanding of history isn't a string of facts, but a feeling for the time understanding why people did what they did rather than what happened with no grasp of the consequences or motivation behind it.
Take Tateh, the man is not a real historical figure but you can see how a man such as him would be attracted to Emma Goldman and various socialist movements. Understanding why these organizations were so influential in the working class will defiantly give you a better picture of the time period.
You can even see the perspective of the other side with Henry Ford and his invention of the production line, and the generally inhumane view he had of his workers. Giving me a picture I would be unable to receive in a textbook.
I don't know if the is perspective adds to the "truth" of the fiction or not. I wish I had the time to analyze the book historically and see if Doctorow's portrait of America is accurate.
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