President-Elect Bill Clinton, calls for a gathering of experts to help guide his economic policy, and what he may do to reduce the national deficit.

The realities of unlimited immigration, andthe movement that proposes to make English the official language of the United States.

Casablanca's impact and the effect the film had on cinema audiences of 1942 are remembered by Alistair Cooke on its 50th anniversary.

A month on from the presidential election, Alistair Cooke anticipates the effect that a new president, and a boost in public confidence, will have on the economy.

Following the death of Millicent Fenwick in September, Alistair Cooke profiles the late Congresswoman and details the female additions to the Senate in 1992.

Why a change of president does not necessarily mean a shift in power, and why it takes so long to move in, and out, of the White House.

Complex methods for predicting presidential election results, and the effect Ross Perot had on the outcome, are discussed by Alistair Cooke.

The tendency of journalists flock to Washington to hear the result of an election and the rejection of the blue blazer for jeans by President-elect, Bill Clinton.

The 1992 Presidential election, the dangers of predicting the outcome of the vote and a look to history for examples of election certainty.

The business of sport, and an embarrassing incident involving the Canadian flag are discussed by Alistair Cooke.

The legacy of Christopher Columbus is examined by Alistair Cooke. Should he be regarded as a hero or an enslaving villain?

The history of electoral debates from Lincoln to Clinton and the power of public perception in the run up to the 1992 US presidential election.

The modern author as touring book salesman, the autobiography of Gulf War General H Norman Schwarzkopf and a potential scandal for President Bush.

Some notable entries from a dictionary of 20th Century history leave Alistair Cooke wondering if the upcoming election will feature in a future edition.

The UK withdraws from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism after Black Wednesday, and the way in which the US allocates powers and responsibilities to individual states.

The political situation in Burma, a proclamation by Reverend Pat Robertson, and Senator Quentin Burdick of North Dakota.

The closure of the Smith-Corona factory in Syracuse, New York, the financial troubles of US manufacturers and strategies for survival in an age of free trade.

Remembering his time aboard a ship travelling in extreme weather conditions from England to New York, Alistair Cooke anticipates the beginning of the 1992 hurricane season.

The effect that party conventions have on opinion polls, and the contenders for the Republican nomination are reviewed by Alistair Cooke.

A look at the political career of the presidential advisor and former US Defense Secretary, Clark Clifford, following Clark's recent indictment in connection with the BCCI scandal.

Ross Perot withdraws from the 1992 presidential race, the mystery surrounding his exit, and one tiny, fatal slip during Perot's speech to the NAACP.

Three dramatic party conventions from the past, and how the system of choosing a presidential candidate has evolved.

The role of Canada within the UN peacekeeping force, the need to compare foreign democracies, and the insular nature of the US debate on abortion.

The idea of sportsmanship and the battle against the steroids which can help fulfil athletic ambitions in the approach to the Barcelona Olympic Games .

The law surrounding extradition and the relationship between freedom of speech and racism, following two prominent Supreme Court rulings.

A recollection of the first gathering of the UN, the celebrity journalists who covered the meeting; Joan Stitt McMenamin, the outgoing headmistress of Nightingale-Bamford School.

How the military downsizing will impact on employment, and the opposition to President Bush's proposals at the recent Earth Summit in Rio 1992.

The rise of Ross Perot, the American dissatisfaction with the two party system and how President Bush planned to win back the White House.

Businessman Ross Perot runs for American presidency. Alistair Cooke analyses the man who founded Electronic Data Systems and owned General Motors.

With the riots in Los Angeles over, Alistair Cooke describes the conclusions drawn by Vice-President Quayle following the violence, and questions the priorities of the White House.

The latest mission of the space shuttle Endeavour, and what President Bush will have to do to improve his approval rating following the Gulf War, are discussed by Alistair Cooke.

The Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development, Jack Kemp's work, and the social problems faced by the large cities of the United States.

Following the conclusion of trial of the police officers accused of beating Rodney King, Cooke details the violent disturbances in Los Angeles happening in the wake of the verdict.

The mixed emotions felt by the Americans and Spanish towards Christopher Columbus, and the work of science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.

Following the income tax declaration deadline of April 15th, Alistair Cooke examines the case of Leona Helmsley, a wealthy New York hotelier accused of tax fraud.

The potential perils of a large welfare state and how one presidential candidate, Ross Perot, is proposing to reduce government spending, discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Why Senator Warren Rudman quit, the importance of 9th July to the Army of Northern Virginia, and the story of Sir Lionel Sackville-West, Ambassador to America in 1888.

The differing attitudes of French and American politicians towards immigration and the expectations of a brand new US citizen, examined by Alistair Cooke.

The US Presidential campaign, and the ethics of the closure of the bank of the House of Representatives.

The presidential tenure of Richard Nixon and his diplomatic activities after leaving office.

Following the New Hampshire primary, Alistair Cooke profiles Republican candidate Pat Buchanan, and asks whether a vote for Buchanan is really a vote against George Bush.

The allegations made against Judge Clarence Thomas, and the fate of the journalists who brought the story to the public consciousness.

Executive Order 9066, Franklin D Roosevelt's presidential order that authorised the removal of all Japanese living in California in February 1942, remembered.

Alistair Cooke assesses the candidates for the upcoming New Hampshire primary elections, including Democrats Clinton and Tsongas, and Republicans Bush and Buchanan.

Following a recent opinion poll on the significance of the major events of 1991, Alistair Cooke looks back on the previous year and examines the top American choices on the list.

The proposed cuts to the United States defence budget, and the wide spectrum of reactions from both Republicans and Democrats, discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Governor Bill Clinton, the front runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, and the scrutinizing of his personal undertakings.

The successes and failures of Operation Desert Storm a year on , along with the story of political activist Angela Davis.

American and Japanese relations over the years, a history of Japanese trade, and how General MacArthur shaped modern Japan.

American public schools and their limitations, and how one educator from Alabama, Kevin Welch, is at war with developmental psychologists, discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Considering extended awareness of American issues in Britain, how similar the economic and social concerns of the two countries have become and thoughts on Alzheimer's disease.

Alan Greenspan confirms a US recession despite the Bush administration's refusal to recognise it, attention turns to domestic policy and fear of nuclear weapons on the loose.

Would US libel law have prevented Robert Maxwell from blocking examination of his business dealings? Alistair Cooke compares the differences between US and English libel law.

Senator Joe Biden's echoing of a speech by Neil Kinnock, the effect on his presidential campaign in 1987, and the danger of a politician speaking out of turn in the digital age.

A fall in the confidence of President Bush's handling of the economy, the suspension of Congress in 1991, and the diaries of James Agate.

A profile of David Duke, the former Grand Wizard of the Knights of the Klu Klux Klan running for the governorship of Louisiana as a Republican in 1991.

The unfailing luck of George H W Bush, and the failure of the Democrats to capitalise on the president's poor performance on the economy and hesitance towards domestic issues.

Memories of British publisher Robert Maxwell (1923-1991) and Double Indemnity actor Fred MacMurray (1908-1991).

Why the Federal Trade Commission decided to ban the sight of tobacco brand names on TV after the 1991 World Baseball Series between the Minnesota Twins and the Atlanta Braves.

The 1991 Cambodian peace treaty is signed in Paris. Alistair Cooke compares the rehabilitation of dictator Pol Pot to Cuba's Fidel Castro and Iraq's Saddam Hussein.

Examining Anita Hill's sexual harassment allegations against President Bush's new choice for the Supreme Court, Judge Clarence Thomas, and defining sexual harassment in US law.

President Bush's attempts to reform US education, the impossibility of defining an average American family, and sexuality among schoolchildren.

A look at the strained relations between Israel and the US, the plight of refugees in the Middle East, and the global misconception about the state of US finances.

The trial of former Marine Colonel, Oliver North, over the sale of arms to Iran which resulted in the 1986 Iran-Contra scandal, shows how key witness immunity can devastate cases.

An orgy of tv trials awaiting the American public and the surrogate trials that go under the name of Congressional Committee hearings are discussed.

President George H W Bush's ratings for re-election are boosted by the Gorbachev coup. Cooke compares his invulnerability with that of Winston Churchill.

After the Soviet coup to overpower Gorbachev, America is now wondering who is in charge of the nuclear arsenal.

Gennady Yanayev and the Gang of Eight grab for power in the 1991 August coup against Gorbachev. Cooke explores how the popularity of Boris Yeltsin inevitably caused their downfall.

Could the United Nations' economic sanctions have crippled Saddam Hussein? Plus, how personal boycotts enable consumers to become socially responsible.

Mayor of New York City, David Dinkins, opens his doors to the public to hear their solutions to social problems such as drugs, homelessness and crime.

Is President George H W Bush unbeatable in the next election? Alistair Cooke considers his Desert Storm glory verses chronic social problems at home.

The Bank of Credit and Commerce International scandal is heightened when Mr Major dares Mr Kinnock to use the word "liar" in the House of Commons.

How commentators around the world now view Mr Gorbachev, and his attendence of the 17th G7 summit held in London.

American 'know how' and the rise of stress related illnesses in both America and Britain are discussed by Alistair Cooke.

How Serbian Gavrilo Princip, the murderer of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand of Austro-Hungary, destroyed the empire and instigated the First World War in one shot.

Nude dancing in the state of Indiana causes the American Supreme Court to question the violation of the 1st Amendment, and the obscenity of publicly exhibiting genitalia.

Yeltsin's visit contrasts to one he made in '89 when the US favoured Gorbachev. A bizarre encounter with Senator William Cohen of Maine, and an end to the trials of Oliver North.

Michael Weiss' research into zip codes can determine the books you read, the car you drive and how you like your eggs in the morning. Alistair Cooke finds out how.

The American Department of Defence's publication of Iraqi casualties from the Gulf War leads Alistair Cooke to explore the uses and abuses of the Freedom of Information Act.

The social injustice which sparked riots in Tompkins Square Park in 1988, and how the social acceptibilty of homelessness has changed over the years.

Public smoking restrictions get Alistair Cooke investigating how the Food and Drug Administration are protecting the public health and he turns his eye on cholesterol.

President Bush's heart surgery causes a wave of media panic and scrutiny to fall on Vice-President Dan Quayle.

A May Day parade in Moscow gives Alistair Cooke a curious topic to discuss with UN Soviet Ambassador Andrei Gromyko before considering cummunists in America.

An unauthorised biography of ex-pesident's wife, Mrs Reagan makes Alistair Cooke question how gossip becomes news, whilst President Bush struggles to defend his Gulf War.

Gorbachev's visit to Japan to encourage investment is stalled by Soviet ownership of the Kuril Islands. Plus, a 1958 meeting between Soviet leader Mr. Khrushchev and Richard Nixon.

President George H W Bush has to defend his Gulf War actions against Saddam Hussein as the American public debate whether troops should have been sent to Saudi Arabia.

How CNN's constant Gulf War coverage has led to a post war malaise amongst some of the viewing public.

Gorbachev's banning of a Yeltsin rally in Moscow worries Alistair Cooke before he reflects on a rift between President Bush and General Schwarzkopf.

April Glaspie, American Ambassador to Iraq, is called to explain her pre-war conversations with Saddam Hussein. Could her words have aided the start of the 1990/1 Persian Gulf War?

J M Keynes' economic cure for President Roosevelt was to borrow and spend, but with pressing social problems and limited funds, how will Congress split their 1992 budget?

The Gulf War (1990-91) is over and President Bush Snr basks in its glory, but Cooke reflects on the fickle nature of opinion polls and whether public approval will be sustainable.

Kuwait, Riyadh and Baghdad are now known all over America. Alistair Cooke reflects on how war has added new locations to the public conscience.

Water conservation in Los Angeles, the first couples register their domestic partnerships in San Francisco, and Churchill's refusal of the term "impaired combatant personel".

In times of war how much care-free behaviour should we indulge in? Alistair Cooke ponders on what classifies as indecent behaviour.

Fears of terrorist attacks have reduced the number of people flying. Alistair Cooke considers if the Gulf War has exacerbated the situation and whether extra security is needed.

Should news from the Gulf War be censored? Alistair Cooke explores how public support for the war changes with each news report.

Whilst Saddam Hussein's Scud missiles attack Israel, Alistair Cooke considers how the 24/7 spontaneous news coverage is being viewed by both the allies and the Iraqis.

Aerial bombs dropping on Kuwait signal the start of the Gulf war. Reports of Operation Desert Storm reveal how the age of the instant satellite communication affects broadcasting.

Examining the iconic airline Pan Am's rise and fall, whilst considering how the US constitution has enforced tax payment and may protect a woman's right to strip.

Does legal firearm ownership increase the number of murders in America? Alistair Cooke reflects on what is causing the high volume of murders in New York City.

From his holiday retreat in Vermont, Alistair Cooke muses on the benefits of getting away from it all, ponders the plight of the snowboarder and discusses the right to die.

The Mayor of Los Angeles' attempt to eliminate gender-specific terminology, Betty Friedan’s 'The Feminine Mystique' and the conclusion of the trial of Michael Milken.

The disproportionate amount of African Americans serving in the US military, and the Harris poll revealing a gender split in the opposition towards military intervention.

The attack on Pearl Harbour, Congress and President Bush's conflict over the power to take the country to war, and Dick Cheney's objections to sanctions against Saddam Hussein.

The American perception of Margaret Thatcher and the effect of the recession on air travel during Thanksgiving, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

President Bush sends more troops in to the Gulf, the public confusion around the reasons for intervention, and the effect on Bush's approval ratings.

In the week after the 1990 mid-term elections, Alistair Cooke compares the predictions and the results of the vote, and discusses the failure of the Democrats to find a leader.

A press conference by the Iraqi Ambassador in Washington and American scepticism surrounding the allegations of a CIA and Kuwaiti conspiracy, as detailed by Alistair Cooke.

President Bush's difficulty in finalising proposals for the national budget, and garnering support for the American presence in the Gulf.

President Bush and the Senate struggling to agree on a national budget, the workings of the federal system, and the 1990 Congressional elections, as detailed by Alistair Cooke.

The Columbus Day parade, the closure of National parks and museums due to the end of the fiscal year and the start of a new budget, and the appointment of Justice David Souter.

The role of women in the armed forces, the life and work of Lady Astor, the fourteenth amendment and equal access to locker rooms.

The Soviet foreign minister denounces the action of Saddam Hussein to the United Nations, and the first, and last, unanimous vote reached by the Council in June, 1950.

The cultural makeup of New York, ‘The Melting Pot’ and plays of Israel Zangwill, and the separation of Irish, Jewish, black, Italian and Puerto Rican communities in NYC.

The lessons learned from Chernobyl, the hesitation in Congress over the Star Wars defence program, and the motivations of American doctors conducting clinical trials abroad.

Secretary James Baker's questioning by the Senate foreign relations committee on Iraq; the presence of Russian military advisors working with Saddam Hussein on advanced weapons.

President Bush's meeting with leaders from around the World to discuss Saddam Hussein's move in to Kuwait and the path towards American intervention.

The economic growth in California since 1967, the work of Henry Kaiser to bring a military shipbuilding industry to the state, and the closure of Yosemite National Park.

Today's immigrants to New York and why they don't speak English, and the invitation to black players to join the Augusta National golf club in 1990.

The resignation of Justice William J Brennan and the appointment of David Souter, and the process of appointing a new judge to the Supreme Court, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

President Bush withdraws the US diplomatic recognition of the Cambodian guerrilla coalition due to the human rights record of the regime.

With the World Cup drawing to a close, Alistair Cooke looks forward to 1994 when the USA will hold the tournament and examines the American interest in soccer.

A French insight in to Independence Day, the British stereotype of American pastimes, and a travel guide for tourists visiting New York State, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Nelson Mandela's 1990 visit to the United States, the ANC's reluctance to renounce violence, and the conflict between pro and anti-abortionists, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Charles de Gaulle's 1967 speech calling for an independent Quebec, healthcare and gun control in Canada, and the American view of their neighbour to the north.

Following the emergence of Diane Feinstein as Democratic nomination for the Governor of California, Alistair Cooke profiles the politician, and details Proposition 111.

The spontaneous walkabouts of Mr Gorbachev, and an aborted attempt on the life of President Kennedy by Richard Paul Pavlik in Palm Beach, Florida in December 1960.

In the week of Memorial Day, Alistair Cooke looks at the effect that an upcoming holiday has on Congress and examines the legislation affecting the arms and tobacco industries.

The death of Greta Garbo, the way in which television is prolonging the life of movies, and a eulogy for puppeteer Jim Henson, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

The controversy surrounding an exhibition by Robert Mapplethorpe, the conservative nature of Cincinnati, and the work of Judge Wolsey to bring Joyce's Ulysses to the US.

Alistair Cooke muses on the end of the Reagan era and a collective shift away from the greed of the 'me' decade.

With Earth Day approaching, Alistair Cooke discusses acid rain, the Clean Air act, and a selection of books that have shifted our opinions about the environment.

Roosevelt's mission to unify a diverse people under the English language, and America's many Christians sects, as explored by Alistair Cooke.

Alistair Cooke details the life and career of the labor leader, Harry Bridges, who initiated a general strike in San Francisco in 1934.

Presidential press conferences, the lobbyist system, George Bush's dislike of broccoli, and the power of food as a political tool.

The Japanese peace envoys visiting the White House during the Pearl Harbour attacks, the use of Biblical language by modern-day Americans and the fall in church attendance.

A proclamation by the head of a fringe religious group that the World is going to end on St George's Day leads Alistair Cooke to investigate the realm of apocalyptic cults.

The final flight of the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, the Russian capture of an American pilot in 1960 and the cuts in the American public spending budgets.

With Daniel Ortega voted out of power in Nicaragua, Alistair Cooke details the turbulent relationship between Nicaragua and the United States.

Peggy Noonan's revelations on writing speeches for Reagan and Bush, and how a great speech can shape the public persona of a politician.

Why Kansas City is no longer a unique microcosm of America, and ways in which Americans are changing their diet in an attempt to prolong their lives.

An examination of the recent surge in American public interest in foreign affairs, a cut to defence spending, and the threat posed by Mikhail Gorbachev.

The politeness of American crowds, the dismissal of John McEnroe from the Australian Open, and Gorbachev's plan to make a profit from peace, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

The invasion of Panama, the opinion of the American public of their tax dollars being spent abroad, and the reasons behind the shrinking of the foreign aid budget.

A summary of how the American family has changed in the past 30 years and an explanation of why the prevalence of the microwave is a great indicator of the transformation.

The administration of Ronald Reagan and the upheaval of the American tax and welfare systems during the 1980s, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

With General Noriega of Panama captured by US forces, Alistair Cooke chronicles the American dealings with Noriega and the relationship between the two countries.

A review of the events of 1989, including the revolutions in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Romania, the invasion of Panama, and Soviet-Chinese summits.

American intervention in Panama, the initial failure to capture General Manuel Noriega, and the Bush administration's attempt to find legal grounding for an invasion.

Vice-President Dan Quayle's wariness of the Soviet Union, the aftermath of the earthquake in California and the rise of the shopping mall, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Give the Communist masses what they really want - a delivery of consumerism. 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.

A profile of American revolutionary Thomas Paine, the rebellions in Czechoslovakia and Hungary, and President Bush's reluctance to comment on the uprisings.

Hurricane Hugo and icy winds in the north, the effect of the Galileo spacecraft on the weather, and the great cranberry scare of 1959.

The opening of the Berlin Wall, the origins of Democracy as the system of government in America, and Gorbachev's warning that Germany will not inevitably turn to capitalism.

The 1989 state and local elections, the defeat of Proposition S denying homosexuals to be recognised as domestic partners, and the vote against the abandonment of Candlestick Park.

Television coverage of the 1989 Californian earthquake, the birth of the docudrama, and the bill allowing homosexuals to register as married couples in San Francisco.

The devastation caused by the 1989 Californian earthquake, the effects on tourism in the region, and the strain a natural disaster places on the federal budget.

Citizen volunteers help as San Francisco is shattered by fatal earthquake. 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 failure of the coup against General Manuel Noriega of Panama, the involvement of the Bush administration in the attempted takeover and the possibility of American intervention.

The adoption of emission controls in California, and Senator Jesse Helms' objection to the work of Robert Mapplethorpe being funded by the National Endowment for Art.

President Bush's 1989 speech at the United Nations, the sleeping menace of nuclear weapons and the president's unusually high popularity in his early days in office.

An analysis of the potential perils of a unified Germany, a profile of Edward Koch, the Mayor of New York, and a recollection of the reign of Mayor Fiorello La Guardia.

The Wall Street crash, an attempt on the life of Italy's Crown prince Humbert, Joseph R. Grundy's appearance in front of the Senate and other news items from October 1929.

President Reagan's failure to implement the National Narcotics Border Interdiction System, and President Bush's plan to tackle to Columbian cocaine lords.

The United States Open Golf Championship, the Wimbledon tennis tournament and the joys of air conditioning are pondered on by Alistair Cooke while on holiday in his beach house.

The possible inclusion of the phrase 'life, liberty and the protection of property' in the Declaration of Independence, and the outbreak of war in 1939.

A profile of Colin Powell, the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staffs appointed in 1989, and George Thomas "Mickey" Leland, the Congressman who worked to eradicate World hunger.

Secretary James Baker's meeting with Mexican president Carlos Salinas de Gortari to discuss improvements to border control and Mexico's prestigious debt to the US.

The capture and murder of Colonel William R Higgins by terrorists in Lebanon in August 1989, the response of President Bush and the danger of televising the grief of the family.

The ruling that allows Chinese students at UC Berkley to stay in America as refugees, the Sacramento conference on race relations, and the conservative panic over immigration.

Margaret Thatcher's comments on the two hundredth anniversary of the French revolution, and the role of President Bush at the 1989 economic summit in Paris.

The effect of the 1812 earthquake in New Madrid, Tennessee on the Eastern seaboard, and the inevitability of "the Big One", the earthquake predicted to devastate California.

Abortion arguments will continue to rage as Supreme Court fudges the issue and hands back control to states. 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 conditions that led to the 1989 New York City water shortage and the power of Congress to perform "corrective action" to bypass judgements made in by courts.

A ruling in Congress overturning the conviction of a Texan man for desecrating the American flag, the First Amendment and freedom of expression, and the customs of the flag.

President Nixon's 1972 visit to China, a complaint from a Chinese official about Letter from America, and the Chinese attitude towards liberty following Tiananmen Square.

Chinese military suppression of protests in Tiananmen Square, and the societal change brought about by student uprisings around the World.

The life and achievements of Congressman Claude Pepper, who became a champion for the rights of the elderly, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

Gorbachev's offer to reduce Russian forces in Afghanistan, rebellions in Estonia and Lithuania, the student protests in Beijing, and the ethics hearing of Jim Wright.

The meeting of the Soviet and Chinese leaders at their 1989 summit, the relationship between the two countries and the threat their friendship poses to the West.

The end of the Colonel Oliver North trial, the findings that he was not acting on his own, and the popular opinion that his orders came from the White House.

As the North verdict is delivered, is it time to question the way in which juries are selected - before a 'mistrial' plea goes in? 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 continuing trial of Colonel Oliver North, the former marine who aided Nicaraguan contras, and Missouri court case to overturn the 1973 ruling on abortion.

The 100th anniversary of the birth of Charlie Chaplin, and a personal recollection of the comic actor delivered by Alistair Cooke.

A brief history of the city of Atlanta, the increase in internal flights within the United States and the beginnings of the Augusta National Golf Club.

The journalism of James "Scottie" Reston, and President Munroe's declaration that America should not be considered as a future target for colonisation by European nations.

The history of Washington D.C, the attractions and memorials popular with tourists, and the causes of the high murder and crime rates in the capital city.

The nightlife in New York City before the Second World War, and the 1989 ruling that the city's Board of Estimate is unconstitutional, as explored by Alistair Cooke.

After two grapes imported from Chile are found to have been injected with cyanide, Alistair Cooke details the role of the EPA and FDA in maintaining food safety and standards.

The continuing case of John Tower, the surprising support of Senator Strom Thurman, and the drinking habits of Winston Churchill.

The Senate Committee's ruling that former Senator John Tower should not be allowed to join President Bush's cabinet, and the trial of Colonel Oliver North.

Stores accused of bowing to Iranian edict, but there are still fears for book store staffs' safety. 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 obsession with Gorbachev and the nonchalant attitude towards President Bush in the foreign press, and the 1989 Soviet-Chinese summit, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

President Bush's proclamation of "no new taxes", the difference between a tax and a revenue enhancement, and the release of President Richard Nixon's secret files.

New president seen as distancing himself from the old Reagan ways of doing politics. 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.

President Bush's stance on the issue of abortion, and the universal fondness shown towards outgoing president Ronald Reagan, as discussed by Alistair Cooke.

President Bush's failure to recall the date of the Pearl Harbour attack, and Reverend Jessie Jackson's attempt to instigate the use of the term 'African American'.

The campaign that won George Bush the presidency of the United States, and the Washington insiders he has chosen to form his cabinet.

As a new political year begins, Alistair Cooke considers the official announcement in the House of Representatives of George H W Bush's presidency.