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

Press begins to uncover the fuller, and more complex, story of the Grenada invasion.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 facing serious questions over decision to invade Grenada, a member of the British Commonwealth.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 Nobel Prize winning scientist Barbara McClintock, and her biological and biochemical research that lead to an advanced understanding of the behaviour of genes.

When the oldest form of retaliation - the boycott - turns out to have unforeseen consquences which hit home markets hardest.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 end of a boycott against Aeroflot after the shooting down of Korean flight 007, the absence of Andrei Gromyko at the UN, and the plan to install US missiles in West Germany.

America's Cup won by the Australians - and the members of the New York Yacht Club get the news second-hand.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 under pressure as fear of Russia returns following the shooting-down of the Korean airliner.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.

Congress queries continued presence of US troops in Lebanon. President requested to invoke War Powers Act.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 shooting down of Korean Airlines flight 007 by the Russian military, the escalating Soviet presence in Scandinavia, and questions over the ability of Uri Andropov to command.

Reverend Jesse Jackson steps into the political spotlight by trying for the Democrat nomination.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.

Shocking assassination of Benigno Aquino presents President Reagan with dilemma over Philippines bases.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.

Was Russian teenager Andrei Berezhkov persuaded to withdraw his pleas for help to defect to the West?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 difficulty in legislating against home video taping, the arrest of New York yankee Dave Winfield for killing a seagull, and the marital aspirations of American women in 1983.

Senator Sam Ervin becomes new opponent in ongoing fight for Equal Rights Amendment. 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.

Public opposition to an increased military presence in El Salvador and Nicaragua, the manoeuvres of American troops in Honduras, and the US desire for peace at any price.

A switch from Democrat to Republican in the southern states, the gender gap in the support of President Reagan, and the rise in government spending on social programs.

Chrysler startles US by repaying government bail-out loan in record time.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 popularity rating could be hit by criminal investigation into who stole Carter's briefing papers.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.

Following a fatal bridge collapse in Connecticut, US faces massive bill for rebuilding as major faults are found in ageing infrastructure.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.

Paul Volcker, head of the Federal Reserve, and the second most important man in the US. 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.