Reporting America

More about the book

This collection features Alistair Cooke's key dispatches on pivotal moments and figures in post-war America. As a remarkable reporter and interpreter of his adopted country to Britain and the world, Cooke's journey began with his first broadcast in 1946, capturing the essence of America through significant events like the Korean War, McCarthy witch hunts, Civil Rights, JFK's presidency, the moon landings, Robert Kennedy's assassination, Nixon's resignation, and Clinton's scandals, culminating with the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War. The anthology includes Cooke's insights on notable personalities and the perspectives of everyday Americans, alongside memories from his daughter, Susan. This tribute reflects Cooke's profound connection to the country he cherished. Critics have praised the work as an indispensable record of 20th-century American culture, highlighting Cooke's ability to make sense of decades filled with turmoil and triumph. With a remarkable career spanning print, radio, and television, Cooke served as The Guardian's Senior Correspondent in New York for twenty-five years and hosted influential cultural programs, but he is best known for his long-running BBC series, "Letter from America," which aired 2,869 times over fifty-eight years, making it the longest-running radio series in history.