Letter from America by Alistair Cooke: Alistair Cooke's Letter from America Rediscovered

1970s America rediscovered through lost recordings of Letter from America, on the 10th anniversary of legendary journalist Alistair Cooke's death. Paddy O'Connell and guests including historian Dominic Sandbrook, Alvin Hall, Ann Treneman and Naomi Shragai will reflect on the personalities and stories of 70s America - from Nixon's resignation, Muhammad Ali to Vietnam and women's lib. The Letter from America programmes featured were taped by two listeners and stored in a cellar, an attic and a fertiliser spreader for nearly 40 years. They were recorded by a dairy farmer from the Cotswolds, and a man from Cornwall, who between them have provided the BBC with over 650 lost Letter from America programmes from the 1970s and 1980s. Music chosen: Alvin Hall - Stevie Wonder, Sir Duke Ann Treneman - Bob Dylan, Forever Young David Henderson - Don Mclean, Colour TV Blues Naomi Shragai - Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run. Presenter: Paddy O'Connell Producer: Zillah Watson.

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.

Too strange to be believed, the natural phenomena that prompted the founding of the US national parks. 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.

Former White House aide Donald Regan makes public the First Lady's intrusion on policy and appointments. 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.

Enjoying a different pace of life at the Augusta National, a Georgia Shangri-La. 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.

Papal visit crosses the entire continent to face all manner of religious problems from some 52 million US Catholics. 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.

America's national anthem was chosen just over 50 years ago - is it time to salute to a new tune? 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.

Small in stature, a giant on the screen - an appreciation of the life and work of Fred Astaire. 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.

Reagan describes press as 'sharks' while polls show Americans changing attitudes towards White House. 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 expert opinion on why Americans can't sound English - and the English can't sound American. 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.

In praise of the little-known name behind the thrilling stunts of many big-name movie stars. 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.

International debt is threatening the stability of the world economy, warns MIT expert. 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.

Computers are changing the way we live - but can they work out how we can live together? 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.

Spectacle of world leaders competing for limo one-upmanship sums up the problem of the United Nations. 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.

End of summer sees the holiday cottages empty and normal life resume in the coastal towns. 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 Reagan's plan to make the tax structure simpler hits the right note across the US. 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.

Remembering James Mason, the character actor who wouldn't play the Hollywood game. 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.

Latest national statistics prove that basing our assumptions on stereotypes will inevitably prove us wrong. 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.

British government foils attempt by US millionaire Smiley Ratliff to buy his own Pacific island. 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 Soviet leader Chernenko described as in poor health even as he assumes office. 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.

Old soldier wanted to be buried where his band of brothers met up with the Russians in 1945 - when they were our allies. 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.

Fears of a return to 'Munich mentality' block genuine talk on arms control. 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.

Forget chic or trendy, the founder of the Dull Men's Club says we should be proud of being boring. 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.

Washington opening of new memorial which speaks volumes about the war America did not win. 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.

White House lunch celebrates Roosevelt's centenary - as Reaganomics removes his legacy. 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.

Presidents of US and Mexico to discuss growing problem of illegal immigrants. 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.

Mickey Rooney plays part of professional clown Jack Thum in a TV special about the man who spent a lifetime helping poor children. 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.

Research programmes face cuts as President Reagan's money-saving campaign bites. 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.

Boost for US as Columbia space shuttle makes first landing back on earth. 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.

Two leaders who share a common belief in their economic plans - but Mrs Thatcher's hopes are already moderating. 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.

Reagan's choice of a wealthy cabinet means a slow start for the new administration. 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 World Series gets the popular vote while the presidential candidates get mean with each other. 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.

Remembering John Wayne, the actor who came to stand for something fundamentally good - and American. 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.

Muhammad Ali on Dick Cavett show September 1978. Rising popularity of Edward Kennedy. 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.

Ten years after Tet offensive. US public opinion shifts over foreign affairs. Muhammed Ali defeated as reigning world heavyweight boxing champion by Leon Spinks. 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.

Death of Elvis. Carter's move away from liberal promises. Disquiet among black voters about Carter. 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.

Frost/Nixon TV interviews. Compulsive viewing for massive US and UK audiences. Reveal Nixon's human failings. 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.

Carter Playboy interview. Public reaction to Carter's 'adultery in my heart' admission. 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.

Patty Hearst arrest. Media speculation about Hearst. Assassination attempts on President Ford by Squeaky Fromme and Sara Moore. 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.

Noel Coward, Sean Connery, Tony Jacklin - why stars of stage, screen and sport have to become tax exiles. And how golfer Tom Watson avoided being struck by lightning. 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.

Equal Rights amendment to the US constitution causes splits in both women's and men's liberation groups. 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.

Disgraced President Nixon resigns. His resignation speech does not contain any sort of apology for his misconduct. 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.