I do not know how many of you are familiar with Alistair Cooke. Each week he would write and broadcast on the BBC "a letter America". this would consist of an essay sometimes personal, historical, topical or simply whimsical but always entertaining. I find his style to be well worth studying. To anyone who has ever had to write an essay, this is how to write one that someone would not have to be paid to read. Not only that but he did so week in and week out almost till his demise.
I give you just one here. As Fox and 46 berates the influx of refugees into the US. It is the interesting tale of two refugees and the beginning of the story of how you made the first A-bomb.
[bbc.co.uk]
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I think that I have some "best of" recordings awaiting listening in the car. I do remember him from the 60's and 70's on the Beeb.
FrayedBear
Level 9
July 10, 2018
0
I listened to him in the 70s 80s but reunited with him post 9/11 to hear his perspective.
Thanks for the link, I shall follow up.
I'm also a huge fan of David Sedaris.
Palindromeman
Level 7
July 9, 2018
1
I remember Alistair Cooke from lots of things, loved those broadcasts! The radio essays were wonderful, like Paul Harvey's.
In the '80s and early '90s I worked at the television station that produced Masterpiece Theatre. Alistair Cooke would be around when he would film the openings of the show there. And the actual set for his seated introduction of the night's show was a stop on the walking tours of the studios that I led for the volunteers and donors, which I thought was sorta cool.
Yep, Alistair Cookie from Sesame Street! Monsterpiece Theatre.
AnnieMist
Level 4
July 9, 2018
2
He had a beautiful series here on public television called Alistair Cooke’s America, which I’m sure was drawn from the same well. This and a companion book were an early inspiration for me, in my writing and my outlook on life.
Side note: he was so popular here at one time the Muppets poked fun of him with a character called Alistair Cookie, played by the Cookie Monster, natch.
PenLOP
Level 7
July 9, 2018
3
I remember him! Such a long time since I've heard his name mentioned!
LilAtheistLady
Level 7
July 9, 2018
1
His broadcasts are now available online at the site I posted.
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