Letter from America: 1946-2004

Alistair Cooke's Letter from America radio series, which began in 1946 and continued every week for fifty-eight years until his retirement, was acclaimed as one of the greatest broadcasters of all time. This collection, selected by Cooke himself and supplemented by his literary executor, gives us the best of these legendary broadcasts, covering key moments from the assassination of Kennedy to the Iraq War and 2004 elections. It includes portraits of the great and the good and topics as varied as civil rights, golf, jazz, and the changing colors of a New England fall.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

A defining collection from Alistair Cooke's legendary BBC Radio broadcasts, spanning nearly sixty years of changing life in the United States, has been meticulously curated to offer a profound and captivating insight into the nation's unique tapestry. No other broadcaster has succeeded in elucidating the intricacies of a country that is simultaneously familiar and utterly foreign to the English-speaking world.

Independent: When Alistair Cooke retired in February 2004, he was widely acclaimed as one of the greatest broadcasters of all time. His renowned Letter from America radio series, which commenced in 1946 and continued every week for fifty-eight years until his retirement, maintained a profound connection between the world and the events unfolding in America. Cooke's distinctive style, characterized by wit, humanity, and liberalism, not only informed but also entertained his audience.

The selection presented here, meticulously chosen by Cooke himself and supplemented by his literary executor, showcases the very best of these legendary broadcasts. It encompasses pivotal moments from the assassination of Kennedy to the Vietnam War, Watergate, 9/11, the Iraq War, and anticipates the 2004 elections. Within these broadcasts, readers are treated to captivating portraits of renowned figures such as Charlie Chaplin, Martin Luther King, Jr., and a wide range of topics, including civil rights, golf, jazz, and the mesmerizing hues of a New England fall.

Each Letter in this collection contributes to a vivid and multifaceted portrait of a nation, as well as a profound exploration of the individual behind the microphone. Alistair Cooke's unparalleled ability to capture the essence of America through his words and storytelling has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of listeners worldwide. This collection serves as a testament to his enduring legacy and the power of radio to transcend boundaries and illuminate the human experience.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241513361