Letter From America By Alistair Cooke: The Bush Jr Years (2001- 2004)

In Alistair Cooke's last letter, he considers how the war in Iraq is a key element in the run-up to the US Presidential Election.

Alistair Cooke recalls how slimming became fashionable during the food shortages that followed the First World War.

Alistair Cooke looks at the meaning of 'intelligence' and recounts how he was mistaken for a spy during World War II.

Alistair Cooke discusses the resignation of the US chief weapons inspector, Dr David Kay.

Alistair Cooke remembers the days before specialisation when doctors in the USA used to make house calls.

Alistair Cooke thinks back to a winter in Palm Beach, as Arctic weather hits the northern states.

Alistair Cooke refuses to join the throng of commentators writing themselves into exhaustion about the presidential candidates.

With the New Year unfolding, Alistair Cooke wonders what makes people favour athletic prowess over academic skill.

As the United States enters an election year, Alistair Cooke describes how congressmen will be trying to secure re-appointment.

Alistair Cooke recalls the circumstances that led to the creation of Charles Dickens' most famous story.

If in doubt, find an anniversary! Alistair Cooke remembers when the centenary of Queen Victoria receiving the Koh-I-Noor diamond helped him out of a tricky situation.

Alistair Cooke examines why it is so difficult to establish democracy in Iraq.

Alistair Cooke looks back at the history of Thanksgiving in the light of modern concerns about healthy eating.

Alistair Cooke compares tariffs set on Chinese imports with similar attempts to protect America's home economy with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff during the great depression.

In anticipation of George Bush's visit to Europe, Alistair Cooke examines how the announcement of casualty numbers influences the public's appetite for war.

Alistair Cooke celebrates the architectural achievements of Stanford White, amongst them Madison Square Gardens.

Forty years on Alistair Cooke examines the knock on effect of the destruction of the original Pennsylvania Station.

Alistair Cooke examines the Pledge of Allegiance and its role in an increasingly secular society.

Alistair Cooke was unable to give his talk. In this repeat, from October 1998, Alistair Cooke muses on curious linguistic differences between America and England.

Alistair Cooke contemplates the result of the Californian Election and Arnold Schwarzenegger's role as governor.