A season of disaster, forest fires, tornadoes, earthquakes and leads to a recollection of a vast storm in 1938 which descended on the Northern Atlantic coast. Published on October 25, 1996.

Forest fires, tornadoes and earthquakes

The history Halloween, the origin of the vampire myth and the roaring business performed by pumpkin farmers during the month of October. Published on November 1, 1996.

Halloween, 1996

The results of the presidential elections and how technology is turning busy television studios into silent cathedrals, as discussed by Alistair Cooke. Published on November 8, 1996.

The 1996 presidential election

US intervention in the Rwandan refugee crisis and the history of President Clinton's press conferences. Published on November 15, 1996.

US intervention in Rwanda

After public revelations of cases of sexual violence in the US Army and Navy Alistair Cooke examines the scandal of the sexual harassment of women in America's armed forces. Published on November 22, 1996.

Sexual harassment in the armed forces

From California, Alistair Cooke examines the un-politicised institution of Thanksgiving and the changing face of US politics. Published on November 29, 1996.

Thanksgiving in California

Cults of California, tolerance in San Francisco, and the permissive parenting backlash are discussed by Alistair Cooke in this week's Letter From America. Published on December 6, 1996.

Permissive California

Madeleine Albright becomes the first Secretary of State in America, and investigations reveal a possible chemical cause of Gulf War Syndrome. Published on December 13, 1996.

Gulf War Syndrome

A tribute to Mr Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former leader of the UN General Assembly, whose peacekeeping skills were put to the test during the Rwandan Genocide.  Published on December 20, 1996.

UN Leader Mr Boutros Boutros-Ghali

Santa Claus or Father Christmas? The origin of the Patron saint of Christmas is explored. Plus, the surprising popularity of a Tickle Me Elmo toy has caused prices to skyrocket.  Published on December 27, 1996.

A history of Father Christmas

Letter from America: the Clinton Years (1993-1996)
Bill Clinton’s first term encompassed controversies from the Israeli-Palestinian Oslo accords and gays in the military to the North American Free Trade Agreement and an attempt at healthcare reform. A fascinating social, cultural and political history of American life, through the words of British-American journalist and broadcaster, Alistair Cooke (1908 – 2004).

Letter from America 93-96

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