Senator Fred Thompson, the mystery of the millions illegally contributed to Clinton's re-election campaign, and the loss of sporting good manners. Published on July 11, 1997.

The Clinton re-election campaign

The closure of the remaining Woolworth department stores in the US signals the loss of a retail institution for the older generation. Published on July 25, 1997.

The end of civilisation

Megan's Law, the Miranda law and others named after people, and Elisha Dov Hack's protest about moral standards in Yale university dormitories. Published on September 12, 1997.

Megan's Law

An examination of the stereotypes of American life as portrayed in Hollywood movies, and seen by a global audience. Published on September 26, 1997.

American stereotypes on film

Chinese President Jiang's 1997 visit to America to meet President Clinton, the dangers of a strong Chinese economy, and Saddam Hussein's threat to shoot down planes over Iraq. Published on November 7, 1997.

President Jiang in America

The continuing search for Saddam's deadly toxic secrets and the loss of a friend, the brilliant, witty and wise Sir Isaiah Berlin Published on November 21, 1997.

Sir Isaiah Berlin

Tony Blair's vision of a nodern Britain, alistair Cooke's suggestions for a tour of the US, and Roosevelt's post-war plea for Americans to holiday in the Caribbean. Published on December 5, 1997.

American tourists

How the whole world catches a cold from one financial sneeze in Asia – the danger of epidemics in a global economy Published on December 12, 1997.

Financial crisis in Asia

Bill Gates comes before the Senate Judiciary Committee accused of creating an internet browser monopoly and Alistair Cooke considers previous appearances from Rockefeller to Nixon. Published on March 6, 1998.

Bill Gates and the Senate Judiciary Committee

Alistair Cooke reflects on the influence of President Woodrow Wilson on redrawing the map of Europe after the First World War. Published on February 26, 1999.

The Pursuit of Self-Determination

Letter from America: the Clinton Years (1997-2000)
Bill Clinton’s second term was dominated at home by the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the attempt to impeach him, but there were major events abroad with the al-Qaeda attack on US embassies in east Africa and the war in Kosovo. 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 97-00

Popular tracks