Letter From America By Alistair Cooke: The Reagan Years (1981-1988)

Months of investigations end with Reagan's choice confirmed by Senate vote. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Vietnam commander General Westmoreland's libel case against CBS ends in stalemate. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Farm bankruptcies rise as prices fall and Reagan sticks to planned cuts on subsidies. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

New Zealand's new premier brings in promised nuclear ban - resulting in a US navy destroyer being turned away from port of call. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Defending Kingsley Amis - and free speech - against some of the top women in American publishing.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Plunging temperatures force cancellation of Reagan's second term inauguration parade.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

The falling value of the British pound in comparison to the US dollar, and the death of Lindsay Wellington, the former head of the BBC in North America.

Reagan's election promises on spending will be overtaken by Congress ready to trim more from proposed budget.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Keep cutting your cholesterol, say the experts - just as the Christmas eating binge beckons.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Good news or bad news? China's main daily newspaper rebuked for 'flawed' story of the country's potential move to a capitalist economy.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Not your average university - the Texas A&M does things on a grander scale.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

An upright man - in his walk, and his ways. Remembering Senator George D. Aiken, the politician who could never be bought.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

Senator Jesse Helms ponders whether to take the foreign affairs chair, or continue to rally support for the tobacco growers. The sound quality on this recording is variable/poor.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

The achievements of George Gallup, inventor of the Gallup poll, a method of measuring public opinion, and responsible for revolutionary change in the democratic process.

In the aftermath of Indira Gandhi's assassination, Cooke looks at the increased personal security for public figures over the years and the role of bodyguards.

Confused messages about poverty levels in the US come from media reports misinterpreting the official figures.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

How the young are getting their political understanding - from 30-second TV commercials.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.

1984 Democratic presidential nominee Walter Mondale questions President Reagan's age suitability in a televised election debate.

Alistair Cooke looks at mafia involvement in alcohol during prohibition, cattle during World War II and in the heroin trade, as an international ring of gangsters is arrested.

Washington observers interpret meeting between Reagan and Gromyko as sign that Soviets foresee a second term for the president.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC in 2014.