Letter From America By Alistair Cooke: The Clinton Years (1993-1996)

The Whitewater investigation, the reaction to Hilary Clinton's controversial financial dealings and the workings of the commodities market are explained by Alistair Cooke.

Admiral William J Crowe, the newly appointed American Ambassador to the United Kingdom, is profiled by Alistair Cooke.

The uncertain future of America's tobacco industry and the growing problem of plea bargains after the trial of figure skater Tonya Harding are discussed by Alistair Cooke.

A 1930's tourist guide describing Boston's demographic make-up makes Alistair Cooke reflect on how immigrants survive and prosper in America.

How the wistful sign off "and the rest you know" at the end of Alistair Cooke's letter on how congressional moves to impeach Richard Nixon came about.

President Clinton's concerns over US military intervention, a newfound resolve over the war in Bosnia and a bogeyman in the shape of a Russian bear are discussed by Alistair Cooke.

The history of chocolate and how new research is re-defining it as an unlikely health food is considered by Alistair Cooke, on his travels to California.

Bill Clinton's draft dodging during the Vietnam War is remembered by Alistair Cooke upon hearing that America's trade embargo on Vietnam is soon to be lifted.

Reuben Mattus, the inventor of Haagen-Dazs ice-cream, reminds Alistair Cooke of other immigrants who have shaped America.

Lorena Bobbitt's acquittal for cutting off her husband's penis causes Alistair Cooke to reflect on legal definitions of insanity in the state of Virginia.

The exceptionally cold weather scouring America, the earthquake in southern California and the conclusion of the Iran-Contra affair investigation are discussed by Alistair Cooke.

The life and career of 'essential Boston Irish Catholic Democrat' and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Thomas Phillip "Tip" O'Neill (1912- 1994).

Alistair Cooke looks at the changing fashions in New Year's resolutions, and the success of Alcoholics Anonymous.

A 1940s style flight to Vermont brings Alistair Cooke to his family and a computer which has swallowed several libraries, a few archives and already knows all about him.

The difficulty of celebrating a religious festival in America without behaving unconstitutionally, A Christmas Carol, Washington style and the Park Lane Christmas trees.

The GATT Trade Agreement, the prospect of peace in Northern Ireland, electoral defeat for Russian authoritarian Vladimir Zhirinovsky and nuclear weapons in North Korea.

A random multiple murder on a Long Island train, America's problem with guns, the future for gun control and the failure of the 'Brady Bill'.

The first World AIDS Day, reaction to the disease from sufferers and the public and an interruption to an unusually heartfelt speech by President Clinton.

Searching for a fair evaluation of John F Kennedy's life, 30 years after his assasination and how the significance of anniversaries is transformed by historical revisions.

Examining the surprising result of a debate between the 'boring' Al Gore and 'sassy' Ross Perot and how the reputations of politicians are formed by their public personas.