Episodes
| Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| America's problem with gun ownership | 19931029 | 20121223 (R4) | The problem of US gun ownership, and why the American constitution doesn't actually guarantee a right to bear arms, as examined by broadcaster and journalist Alistair Cooke in 1993.
Paddy O'Connell introduces a shortened archive edition of Letter from America first broadcast 19 years ago on 29 October 1993.
In this edition, Alistair Cooke took the American nation's temperature on gun control in the midst of that early-90s panic, as Congress was about to pass the Brady Act in 1993, after more than a decade of lobbying by Jim Brady, President Reagan's former press secretary, shot with the President in an assassination attempt in 1981.
Alistair Cooke's talks on American life, history and politics - Letter from America - were broadcast weekly on BBC Radio from 1946 -2004. Over 920 archive editions are available to listen or download for free on the Radio 4 website.
Presenter: Alistair Cooke
The debate on gun control in the US, as examined by Alistair Cooke in 1993. Alistair Cooke\u2019s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 \u2013 2004. |
| Fountains and Trade Wars | 20020531 | Alistair Cooke examines George Bush's visit to Europe in the midst of a trade war. Alistair Cooke\u2019s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 \u2013 2004. | |
| Healthy Eating | 20031128 | In light of new concerns about healthy eating, Alistair Cooke reflects on Thanksgiving. Alistair Cooke\u2019s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 \u2013 2004. | |
| Heaven on the Half Shell | 20021018 | Alistair Cooke reflects on the historical connection between China and California. Alistair Cooke\u2019s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 \u2013 2004. | |
| I am a Jelly Doughnut | 20031003 | Alistair Cooke pays tribute to Robert Lochner and Alexander Butterfield. Alistair Cooke\u2019s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 \u2013 2004. | |
| Pork Barrel Politics | 20031226 | Alistair Cooke examines how congressmen secure re-appointments during an election year. Alistair Cooke\u2019s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 \u2013 2004. | |
| Santa Fe | 19491212 | 20040514 (R4) | The legendary broadcaster recounts his first proper encounter with a native American. Alistair Cooke\u2019s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 \u2013 2004. |
| Santa Fe | 19491212 | 20040516 (R4) | The legendary broadcaster recounts his first proper encounter with a native American. Alistair Cooke\u2019s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 \u2013 2004. |
| Who Shall Police the Policemen? | 20030606 | Alistair Cooke asks how we can police the world in a time of modern terrorist conflict. Alistair Cooke\u2019s weekly talks on American life, history and politics from 1946 \u2013 2004. |