A unique commentary of over 50 of the most defining and extraordinary events in US history, illustrated with dramatic documentary photographs
'Cooke has guided listeners through the momentus events and everyday foibles of the
United States since President Truman's time, like a friendly uncle across the pond.'
The Times
For over half a century Alistair Cooke reported on every aspect of American life, first as the Guardian's Senior Correspondent in New York, and then with his weekly BBC radio broadcast, Letter from America. For millions of listeners, he monitored the pulse of life in the United States and relayed its strengths and weaknesses to 50 countries.
As an outstanding observer of the American scene, Cooke was ideally placed to witness some of the most significant episodes in US history. He led his listeners through the American vicissitudes of Korea, McCarthyism, JFK, Vietnam, Watergate, Nixon's resignation and Clinton's scandals. A commentator on history, Cooke was sometimes an eyewitness too. He was just yards away from Senator Bobby Kennedy when the latter was assassinated in 1968.
This outstanding collection brings together the best of Alistair Cooke's defining reports on key historical events. Presented chronologically, and illustrated with a wealth of powerful reportage photography, these writings span Cooke's extraordinary career, and include an astonishing variety of national achievements, triumphs and disasters – from the end of the Second World War through to the conflict in Iraq. Whatever the occurrence, Cooke always gave a measured, perceptive and wise response that would shed light on the event. His moving evocation of September 11th and its aftermath remains essential reading.
Published to mark the centennial year of Alistair Cooke, 2008.
