This is a selection of Alistair Cooke's finest radio Letters in
chronological order from his earliest broadcasts. Alistair Cooke was a
radio legend, entertaining millions of listeners for over fifty years in
his weekly "Letter from America". It was the longest-running one-man
series in radio history, and every show was a virtuoso performance. Wise
and witty, informed and informal, Cooke was the doyen of foreign
correspondents. In this selection of the very first Letters, Cooke
reports on a memorable range of events, including the threat to the
United States during World War II, the funeral of Franklin D. Roosevelt,
the shocking occasion when a bomber hit the Empire State Building and
the presidential election of 1948. He tells the incredible story of the
missing Holden baby, explains the phenomenon of the 'summer bachelors'
who stay in the city when their wives and families vacation in cooler
climes, and pays tribute to American pianist William Kapell. The Letters
are set in their historical context with a specially commissioned
script narrated by the BBC's Washington correspondent Matt Frei. As well
as insights into cultural and political events of the time, we also get
a charming sketch of the young Alistair Cooke. Whether the topics he
explores are serious or humorous, Cooke's unique style of expression and
analysis shines through in these classic broadcasts from the world's
most famous letter writer and radio's greatest observer. 'Cooke's
debonaire, transatlantic tones are unmistakable...' - "FT Magazine".
CDs and Case in very good condition and from a smoke-free home