BBC Radio Podcasts from Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: Alistair Cooke's Letter from America Rediscovered
The 1970s
1970s USA rediscovered through lost recordings of Alistair Cooke's Letter From America.
Soviets need soap, December 1989
Shortage of consumer basics threatens stability of the Soviet economy.
Yellowstone National Park, 1988
Yellowstone centre is saved from wildfires which have destroyed a million acres.
Nancy Reagan's astrologer, 1988
New book exposes First Lady's use of astrologer to dictate the president's diary.
The Augusta National, 1988
Getting away from it all, at America's most beautiful golf course.
Papal visit, September 1987
The Pope visits a nation where one in four is a Catholic - America.
The national anthem, 1986
Time to change the national anthem?
Fred Astaire, 1987
Remembering the man who 'could dance a little'.
Voters believe Reagan lied, December 1986
Poll shows half of Americans believe President Reagan knew about money for Contras.
Sounding American, 1986
The language divide - American or English?
Yakima Canutt, 1986
Remembering the king of the stunt men, Yakima Canutt.
Loans warning on economy, January 1986
Top economist warns that loans could prompt financial crash.
The computer age, 1985
Entering the age of the computer, from MRI scans to word processors.
Limousine envy, 1985
UN's birthday party creates a limousine jam in New York.
Summer's end, September 1985
As the summer folk depart coastal places can settle back into normal life.
Simpler taxes suggested by president, 1985
Reagan outlines plan to simplify America's tax structure.
James Mason remembered, 1984
The actor I wouldn't give a part to - James Mason remembered.
Beware stereotypes, 1984
Relying on our ideas about stereotypes can cause misunderstandings.
Smiley Ratliff's escape bid, 1984
American millionaire Smiley Ratliff tries to buy Pacific island to get away from it all.
Chernenko is Soviet leader, 1984
Soviets choose 72-year-old Chernenko as their new leader.
Joe Polowsky's funeral, 1983
Peace-loving veteran's wish is granted with East German funeral.
Fear of appeasement, 1983
Appeasement fears are stumbling block to arms control.
The Dull Men's Club, 1982
Founder of Dull Men's Club claims it's OK to be boring.
Vietnam veterans' memorial, 1982
Poignant memorial to Vietnam vets is unveiled in Washington.
Roosevelt 100th anniversary, 1982
White House marks Roosevelt's centenary.
Illegal immigration, 1981
Huge increase in illegal immigrants from Mexico entering the US.
Remembering Jack Thum, 1981
Mickey Rooney portrays professional clown Jack Thum.
Reagan budget-cutting campaign, 1981
Axe falls on government spending as Reagan's budget cuts begin.
Columbia space shuttle, 1981
Space shuttle Columbia makes first return landing.
A meeting of minds, 1981
Thatcher's visit to the new president is anticipated as a love-fest.
Reagan chooses cabinet, 1981
Reagan's cabinet choices mean a slow start.
The World Series gets the vote, 1980
Voters tune in to the World Series while the candidates slug it out.
John Wayne obituary, 1979
John Wayne - obituary for an enduring hero.
Muhammad Ali, September 1978
Muhammad Ali on Dick Cavett show September 1978. Rising popularity of Edward Kennedy.
Ten years after Tet, February 1978
Ten years after Tet offensive. Muhammad Ali defeated by Spinks.
Death of Elvis, August 1977
Death of Elvis. Carter's move away from liberal promises.
Frost/Nixon TV interviews, May 1977
Frost/Nixon TV interviews grab huge audiences in US and UK.
Carter Playboy interview, September 1976
Carter Playboy interview. Public reaction to Carter's 'adultery in my heart' admission.
Patty Hearst arrest, 1975
Patty Hearst arrest and media speculation. Assassination attempts on President Ford.
Tax exiles, July 1975
Noel Coward, Sean Connery, Tony Jacklin - all tax exiles.
Women's Lib, 1975
Equal Rights amendment splits both Women's and Men's Lib factions.
Nixon's resignation speech, August 1974
Nixon's resignation speech. No apology from Nixon in resignation speech.