Letter From America By Alistair Cooke: The Clinton Years (1997-2000)

To commemorate 10 years since the fall of the Berlin wall, Alistair Cooke explains why America paid so much attention to the city and the promise it held for democracy.

Upon visiting San Francisco, Alistair Cooke reflects on the ego-centric lives of city dwellers and the great assumptions that they make on a daily basis.

Under imminent attack from the All Hallows’ Eve celebrations, Alistair Cooke discusses the origins of Halloween, vampire legends, and the vulnerability of children "trick or treating".

Alistair Cooke compares the Boston Massacre with the rejection of a nuclear treaty, and explains how a good treaty can still be defeated by a few short-sighted people.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the European pleas to the US Senate to ratify the Test Ban Treaty, and compares it with the Senate's condemnation of 1919 Treaty of Versailles.

Alistair Cooke considers why the vices of greed, liquor, jingoism and bad taste should suddenly intrude on the spectator stands at sports events.

Alistair Cooke considers the etiquette of sport and reflects on the sad, infamous day that his beloved golf became a victim of audience hooliganism.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the affects of Hurricane Floyd - the massive untold story of the rain it dumped on inland towns and how it lifted the rivers.

Alistair Cooke examines the over-sensationalism within the British Press towards a parasitic virus affecting New York and examines the damage of hurricane Floyd.

Alistair Cooke reflects on his visit to a New York hospital, being exempt from jury service and Mayor Rudy Guiliani's recent stint as a juror.

Alistair Cooke critiques a thesis which believes America’s new National Policy is following in the footsteps of the British policies that foreshadowed World War Two.

Alistair Cooke reviews speculation on why the Russians and Chinese have chosen to hold "a friendly summit" and reflects on the non-confession of Governor Bush over cocaine use.

Alistair Cooke discusses the medical and social aspects of cigar smoking which is becoming fashionable again in the USA.

Whilst Congress tries to pass a huge tax cut before the summer recess, Alistair Cooke wonders how they could possibly predict the state of the economy in 2010.

Alistair Cooke reflects on preaching to the youth of today and is staggered by two little words – "British Citizen".

Alistair Cooke discusses his admiration for Ernest Hemingway and provides his own comical parody of his writing style.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the hysterical press coverage of John F. Kennedy Junior's plane crash, and is heartened by a NATO led environmental survey in Yugoslavia.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the long held belief of sports journalist Henry Longhurst that many forms of sporting contests do more harm to international relations than good.

Alistair Cooke concedes to his hot weather house arrest by reflecting on the creation of air conditioning.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the golden parachute of retirement and Gloria Minoprio's first stand for women's liberty in the golf world.