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Alistair Cooke's America
First published in 1973, this follow-up to Alistair Cooke's acclaimed 1972 television documentary series "America: A Personal History of the United States" has sold almost two million copies. From the nation's discovery to modern times; from the American revolutionaries to the pioneers who forged westward; from the slaves who fled north to the immigrants that sought a new life, Cooke vividly describes the spirit of the United States. Cooke's portrayal of America's dynamic history and its ever-changing present continues to provide striking insights into the remarkable character of a nation.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 1973
About the author
Alistair Cooke
106 books41 followersBooks of British-American journalist and broadcaster Alfred Alistair Cooke include
Around the World in 50 Years
(1966) and
Alistair Cooke's America
(1973).
After the University of Cambridge graduated him, the British Broadcasting Corporation hired him. This legendary television host rose to prominence for his reports on London Letter on radio of National Broadcasting Corporation during the 1930s. Cooke immigrated to the United States in 1937. In 1946, he began his radio appearances on Letter from America on the British Broadcasting Corporation; this tradition that lasted nearly six decades.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alistai...
After the University of Cambridge graduated him, the British Broadcasting Corporation hired him. This legendary television host rose to prominence for his reports on London Letter on radio of National Broadcasting Corporation during the 1930s. Cooke immigrated to the United States in 1937. In 1946, he began his radio appearances on Letter from America on the British Broadcasting Corporation; this tradition that lasted nearly six decades.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alistai...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 27, 2009
A little dated and by nature not as deep as it could be, but it is a sympathetic third party look at American history by an Englishman who knew us well. The writing style is very user-friendly especially for those who are not history wonks. I think it could be the basis of a good high school American history course. I've re-read this book countless times since I rescued a copy from the recycling bin while in high school.
October 16, 2018
... a sign proclaiming in three words that a Roman emperor's orgy is now a democratic institution. It says: 'Topless Pizza Lunch.'
(As in my reviews of Kenneth Clarke’s Civilisation and Jacob Bronowski’s The Ascent of Man, this review focuses on the documentary, not the tie-in book.)
This documentary is a window into another time, when the public intellectual was a far more respected institution. Nowadays it is hard to imagine a popular program that contained long stretches of a man simply talking into a camera; nor it is easy to think of a contemporary program so fully dominated by the personality of one person. As the subtitle of this program indicates, this is “A Personal View,” not an attempt at impartiality or objectivity. Cooke is giving us America as he sees it, through the eyes of a highly-educated, well-traveled English immigrant.
The 13 episodes of the series follow a chronological scheme, beginning with the French and Spanish colonists and ending with the (then) present day. The exception to this is the first episode, the best in the series, in which Cooke tells his own story—coming to America as a young man during the Great Depression, and taking a road trip out west. As for the other episodes, there are few surprises in Cooke’s choice of subject: the English dissenters, the Revolutionary War, the drafting of the Constitution, the Louisiana Purchase, and so on, all the way up to the Cold War. We see Ellis Island and the Oregon Trail, New England foliage and the Hoover Dam, Hippie communes and Black Baptist churches—a panorama of American scenes.
In many ways this series falls short of the other two major BBC documentaries of the time, Clarke’s Civilisation and Bronowski’s The Ascent of Man. Cooke’s America has none of the gorgeous cinematography of the former nor the innovative editing of the latter. Indeed, the shooting style of the documentary is remarkably basic—which is not necessarily a bad thing, of course, but in this case it imbued sections of the documentary with a soporific effect. Another difference in quality was due to the level of insight that the programs offer. Cooke, though no chump when it comes to American history, seems an amateur when his expertise is compared to Clarke’s grasp of art and Bronowski’s understanding of science. I was consistently interested, but I cannot say I came away from the program with any deep sense of insight into my vast homeland.
All this being said, there are some delightful sections in the program. Cooke has a great knack for finding fascinating props. He holds up a vial containing tea preserved from the Boston Tea Party, or he holds the manuscript of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol in the Morgan Library, or he itemizes the typical equipment and supplies taken by families on the Oregon Trail. And if the information he presents is not exactly striking, his easy eloquence and gentle wit give his facts a pleasing ring. Cooke’s voice—with his faultless Transatlantic accent—was made for broadcasting, and transmits a sense of confident sophistication that is entirely rare today. Most valuable for us is Cooke’s convincing sense of being above partisan politics—an intelligent observer unbound by any tribe. Again, could any similar program exist today?
October 10, 2019
Alistair Cooke covers over 450 years of American history, its people, places, and ideas. Not comprehensive but full of details that I did not know. His style reminded me of another radio commentator, Paul Harvey, with his "and now for the rest of the story" details. It was written in 1973, during the Cold War years, years I remember well. I wish A. Cooke was still living so he could do an up-date. No one else has his style and command of the language.
It is apparent that the author loved America (he became an American citizen).
One omission: Texas! Also, the Alamo and the Maine.
It is apparent that the author loved America (he became an American citizen).
One omission: Texas! Also, the Alamo and the Maine.
June 20, 2012
I loved to listen to Alistair Cooke when he broadcast 'letter from America' on the BBC in England in the 1950's, when I was a boy. Elvis was also a popular entertainer. Cooke was a most entertaining speaker. He wrote, as he spoke, concisely, pungently, informatively, wittily, in superb English as befitted his journalistic training, and always entertainingly. This book as well as his 'The Americans' and 'Six men' are all in the same genre; very clever. Well worth reading.
August 19, 2017
Whether speaking or writing; listening or reading, his was a clear and mellifluous voice. The tone and emphasis always just right. although his Radio 'Letters from America' are, today, described as having been 'informal' I don't think that would be said if heard again in current times.
The inflection, tone and timing were always just so and crystal clear. His pronunciation never grating. He conveyed a gest, a joke, humour, sadness or severity without needing to announce that to be his intention.
We listened to him weekly, for many years with anticipation. Usually about the time we might be preparing and cooking dinner. Sherry or gin tonic in hand. You would find yourself smiling, nodding or grimacing as he outlined some event he had witnessed in Manhattan or sagely philosophised on how things now might be after some speech, election or international change. His voice and insights made you sit up straighter in the chair.
My recollection of his talks was always, just always, that one had listened to a most excellent lecture or after dinner talk by a master. I always found his accounts to be considered, all-round coverage of an event or issue, leaving one feeling that in a short space of time one had been introduced to a topic, covered the various aspects and come away informed in an easy manner.
A truly wonderful radio personality. A gift to every home who tuned in for his deliveries.
You might say, but this is about a book. TRUE. and every word could be repeated for his writings. Not dry or stuffy they cover subjects others have tried but never mastered. Cooke would draw back from some topics saying he was, indeed, no Master in the subject...but that he would try his utmost to bring some understanding to the matter for both his sake and that of the reader, or listener.
No longer with us his talks and books can still be accessed for pleasure and insight. he was fond of drawing upon the insights of H L Mencken. In turn it seems we could and should utilise the mind and matter in the legacy of Cooke's work. (I could say why read HST when you can have AC? same America, same overall topics, different legacies)
The inflection, tone and timing were always just so and crystal clear. His pronunciation never grating. He conveyed a gest, a joke, humour, sadness or severity without needing to announce that to be his intention.
We listened to him weekly, for many years with anticipation. Usually about the time we might be preparing and cooking dinner. Sherry or gin tonic in hand. You would find yourself smiling, nodding or grimacing as he outlined some event he had witnessed in Manhattan or sagely philosophised on how things now might be after some speech, election or international change. His voice and insights made you sit up straighter in the chair.
My recollection of his talks was always, just always, that one had listened to a most excellent lecture or after dinner talk by a master. I always found his accounts to be considered, all-round coverage of an event or issue, leaving one feeling that in a short space of time one had been introduced to a topic, covered the various aspects and come away informed in an easy manner.
A truly wonderful radio personality. A gift to every home who tuned in for his deliveries.
You might say, but this is about a book. TRUE. and every word could be repeated for his writings. Not dry or stuffy they cover subjects others have tried but never mastered. Cooke would draw back from some topics saying he was, indeed, no Master in the subject...but that he would try his utmost to bring some understanding to the matter for both his sake and that of the reader, or listener.
No longer with us his talks and books can still be accessed for pleasure and insight. he was fond of drawing upon the insights of H L Mencken. In turn it seems we could and should utilise the mind and matter in the legacy of Cooke's work. (I could say why read HST when you can have AC? same America, same overall topics, different legacies)
February 18, 2009
Superb read. A man with a true grasp of the massive history of America and its development. His perspective of historical events come with an excellent slant and he has managed to note the many hidden aspects of American history that you would rarely find in such detail in a single place. One of the best non-fiction novels I have read.
January 24, 2012
One of the big cultural communicators of his time, so I expected more quirky insight, that everyday experience would inform this magnum opus more. But it was mainstream and conventional. In some areas (nuclear power and computers) he's drunk the kool-aid but had no insight. To be fair this was written in the 70s when the Cold War was a major pre-occupation. So respect to AC but no worship.
January 27, 2013
It's really a fascinating book with some very interesting collection of incidents that have taken place in American hisory. I loved it and got to know about many facts regarding american history which i never knew.
April 10, 2021
It's rather fascinating to read America's history written by an Englishman. Alistair Cooke was a famous journalist and foreign reporter, mostly from America. His point of view is refreshingly different; he tends to give us the facts down and dirty, not gussied up in rose-colored glasses. The pictures that accompany his writing are very interesting; I hadn't seen most of them before. The book was written in the early 1970s, so history has moved on, but some things are repeating themselves...If you can find this book (I found it in London in a bookshop, marked down), I recommend you read it for a different, and pointedly honest, point of view.
November 7, 2023
“You know sir, [..] I guess the whole of England could be fitted into one corner of Nebraska.
— But to what end, young man?”
Very readable. Highlights from the old tales of how things got started and carried on over here while occasionally bringing in some of the presidential protagonists as people within their own epoch. Had some interesting reflections on the modern-ish period before history was said to have ended, which could use an extension in today’s context.
Some highlights for me included the Massachusetts chapter (“He that will not work neither shall he eat”) the cross continent railway line and Charles Lindbergh’s story.
— But to what end, young man?”
Very readable. Highlights from the old tales of how things got started and carried on over here while occasionally bringing in some of the presidential protagonists as people within their own epoch. Had some interesting reflections on the modern-ish period before history was said to have ended, which could use an extension in today’s context.
Some highlights for me included the Massachusetts chapter (“He that will not work neither shall he eat”) the cross continent railway line and Charles Lindbergh’s story.
July 15, 2012
This is for the audiobook to be found on Audible.com
Cooke has gained worldwide fame for his splendid weekly "Letter from America" which lasted for many decades. In this book he provides a succinct yet masterfully insightful panorama of America history from pre-Columbus to about 1970. It was based on a TV series he made for the BBC. He has the gift of vision and discrimination - he can cut through the glory a folk hero and an assassinated president while shining a worthy spotlight on neglected characters who are somehow less appealing to the modern American psyche. The narrator is superb and captures Cooke's style and eloquence quite brilliantly. Cooke is said never to have written a poor sentence, and that statement is proven yet again. Eminently listenable and thoroughly enjoyable. I only wish he had not stopped in 1970.
Cooke has gained worldwide fame for his splendid weekly "Letter from America" which lasted for many decades. In this book he provides a succinct yet masterfully insightful panorama of America history from pre-Columbus to about 1970. It was based on a TV series he made for the BBC. He has the gift of vision and discrimination - he can cut through the glory a folk hero and an assassinated president while shining a worthy spotlight on neglected characters who are somehow less appealing to the modern American psyche. The narrator is superb and captures Cooke's style and eloquence quite brilliantly. Cooke is said never to have written a poor sentence, and that statement is proven yet again. Eminently listenable and thoroughly enjoyable. I only wish he had not stopped in 1970.
September 7, 2011
Nicely read by Mr. Cooke. A very interesting retelling of our history. I like his perspective on the origins of our various episodes in history and the way he made the story of America blend into a complete whole rather than merely a series of chapters. I didn't agree so much with all of his conclusions - this story was written prior to 2001. Found this book to be interesting and thought-provoking.
January 8, 2012
This is a great book, a fascinating all in one guide to American History. I've only read half of it. This may seem not much of a recommendation, but reading the book drew me in to the subject so much that I start deviating off, reading other sources covering the same period of history. It was a library book, I'd renewed it once, and thought I should give someone else a chance and get on with reading a novel or two. But I will go back to it, but I'll probably buy it next time.
May 14, 2013
This is an old book but very well written with great photographs and illustrations. It was originally aired as a BBC TV series.
It covers the narrative history in a nice documentary sort of way and its highly readable, enjoyable and informative.
It is a good introductory work about America. Recommended for anyone not familiar with American history or anyone interested in brushing up his knowledge about America.
It covers the narrative history in a nice documentary sort of way and its highly readable, enjoyable and informative.
It is a good introductory work about America. Recommended for anyone not familiar with American history or anyone interested in brushing up his knowledge about America.
Read
August 2, 2011Excellent overview of the last 400 years of the US's history told in Cooke's inimitable style - witty, deeply thought out and above all informative. Although written in the 70s, his comments are just as relevant today and give an interesting insight in the historical causes and effects of American society as we know it.
August 9, 2011
A bit dated as to his conclusions, probably because it was written before the turn of the century. But up to the final chapter, the story of our development flows fascinatingly from Mr. Cooke's pen, from the continent's earliest days until the 70' or 90s. I would strongly recommend this book.
December 22, 2007
I remember hearing Cooke called a "modern Toqueville" in a review of this book. The description seems apt. Cooke views the people in American history with a clear but sympathetic eye.
June 20, 2009
This came out around the time he did the series on PBS.
It has great pictures which were taken by Cooke. It is a fairly interesting overview of America and its history.
It has great pictures which were taken by Cooke. It is a fairly interesting overview of America and its history.
June 27, 2012
A good book to dip in and out of, providing insight into key events in US history.
February 20, 2013
autographed by the author
sixth printing 1974
sixth printing 1974
May 17, 2013
I thought it was written well. Factually solid. Liked.
November 19, 2015
A excellent and simple history book. It is a perfect start for any young adults historical reading.
January 20, 2016
Dunno how this measures up to today's research standards but found myself reading it in one sitting.
February 18, 2017
I read this book and all I got was a lousy super brain.
August 9, 2021
American history lite. Or a written docutainment.
My copy of this book is dated as published in 1977, but likely didn't change much from the 1973 version.
The prologue says this book is a written form of a series of TV documentaries by an English born foreign correspondent with years of experience in the US. I think he says it is more a less a transcript of programs he produced for viewing in England, but with some additional material.
The scope is a general history of the US with focus on social and cultural developments. A lot of general sections lack dates (years) and must be inferred from placement in the book and a few known events referenced. There are almost no narrations of war battles. Among other things the Mexican war and Spanish wars of the mid and late 19th century respectively aren't mentioned. Some Presidents are discussed, but I would say less than half. There is nothing about the moon landing. It seems random at times.
Cooke does not gloss over embarrassing eras in US history such as the subjugation of Native Americans whom he refers to as Indians. There is a discussion of slavery and continuing inequalities and mistreatment of African-Americans in the years that follow up until the date of writing. The great period of immigration is covered including what is more of a mixed bag of mistreatment and opportunity. Likewise the period of industrialization, migration to cities, and influence and control of the Titans of Industry.
It's not flattering, but it's not unfair in coverage either.
I am somewhat knowledgeable in American history and yet I found much of interest including some new things and review of things I already knew. There are no footnotes or external references so one should not rely solely on this book for historical facts, but I didn't notice any significant errors.
My copy of this book is dated as published in 1977, but likely didn't change much from the 1973 version.
The prologue says this book is a written form of a series of TV documentaries by an English born foreign correspondent with years of experience in the US. I think he says it is more a less a transcript of programs he produced for viewing in England, but with some additional material.
The scope is a general history of the US with focus on social and cultural developments. A lot of general sections lack dates (years) and must be inferred from placement in the book and a few known events referenced. There are almost no narrations of war battles. Among other things the Mexican war and Spanish wars of the mid and late 19th century respectively aren't mentioned. Some Presidents are discussed, but I would say less than half. There is nothing about the moon landing. It seems random at times.
Cooke does not gloss over embarrassing eras in US history such as the subjugation of Native Americans whom he refers to as Indians. There is a discussion of slavery and continuing inequalities and mistreatment of African-Americans in the years that follow up until the date of writing. The great period of immigration is covered including what is more of a mixed bag of mistreatment and opportunity. Likewise the period of industrialization, migration to cities, and influence and control of the Titans of Industry.
It's not flattering, but it's not unfair in coverage either.
I am somewhat knowledgeable in American history and yet I found much of interest including some new things and review of things I already knew. There are no footnotes or external references so one should not rely solely on this book for historical facts, but I didn't notice any significant errors.
March 25, 2020
Published in 1973.
In 1973, undoubtedly to prepare for the upcoming 1976 bicentennial of the American Declaration of Independence, BBC reporter and author Alistair Cooke released a book and a television mini-series telling the history of the United States to the U.K. The book and the series came to America as well with the book selling nearly 2 million copies. This massive "coffee table" type book has 393 pages and weighs in at 3 pounds, 9 ounces (compare that to a random paperback book I weighed at just 5 ounces).
Cooke presents a straight-forward history of America, skimming over lots of details but getting the highlights. This has to be the case when you cover more than nearly 500 years of history in less than 400 pages. He focuses half of the book on the exploration/colonial/Revolutionary War/Constitutional era and it is by far the strongest part of the book.
This book is filled with beautiful, sometimes profound photographs. On pages 312-313 there is a two page spread of a lynching. Cooke claims that "no one knows who took this picture, or exactly when." (p. 311) It was taken by Lawrence Beitler in Marion, Indiana on August 7, 1930. Beitler sold this photo for 10 days straight to sell as souvenirs of the lynching. Here is a link to...
Read more at: https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2020...
In 1973, undoubtedly to prepare for the upcoming 1976 bicentennial of the American Declaration of Independence, BBC reporter and author Alistair Cooke released a book and a television mini-series telling the history of the United States to the U.K. The book and the series came to America as well with the book selling nearly 2 million copies. This massive "coffee table" type book has 393 pages and weighs in at 3 pounds, 9 ounces (compare that to a random paperback book I weighed at just 5 ounces).
Cooke presents a straight-forward history of America, skimming over lots of details but getting the highlights. This has to be the case when you cover more than nearly 500 years of history in less than 400 pages. He focuses half of the book on the exploration/colonial/Revolutionary War/Constitutional era and it is by far the strongest part of the book.
This book is filled with beautiful, sometimes profound photographs. On pages 312-313 there is a two page spread of a lynching. Cooke claims that "no one knows who took this picture, or exactly when." (p. 311) It was taken by Lawrence Beitler in Marion, Indiana on August 7, 1930. Beitler sold this photo for 10 days straight to sell as souvenirs of the lynching. Here is a link to...
Read more at: https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2020...
December 22, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I found it to be an easy read and a welcome change from the usual tomes of American history now being written by eminent historians. Cooke was essentially a journalist and radio broadcaster. As such, he could tell a good story with a conciseness which avoided boring the reader into a lull. His tale of what we call America ranges from several hundred years ago to the present day, and is one that should perhaps be seen more as a condensed version of the history of the USA. In particular, the book highlights major events which shaped the country's formation.
Cooke helped convey his words by including appropriate pictures and photographs, and those are interspersed within the pages of the short chapters. My only complain about the book is its size. It is too big to hold comfortably for bedtime reading, and why it should have been published and printed in almost 'coffee table book' dimensions puzzles me, as the contents deserve better status. I recommend it as an enlightening and enjoyable read.
Cooke helped convey his words by including appropriate pictures and photographs, and those are interspersed within the pages of the short chapters. My only complain about the book is its size. It is too big to hold comfortably for bedtime reading, and why it should have been published and printed in almost 'coffee table book' dimensions puzzles me, as the contents deserve better status. I recommend it as an enlightening and enjoyable read.
April 5, 2023
This was informative, educational, and fascinating. There are lots of old photographs and paintings and a clear, detailed history of our country written by an Englishman. I kept seeing things I wanted to remember to share here, but there are so many that you just have to read it for yourself. I enjoyed it enormously all the way through. It also clearly shows that history can be told truthfully, warts (slavery, genocide, union riots, corrupt politicians, lynchings etc) and all, without making one ashamed to be an American. I am still proud to be an American. I am, however, not so thrilled about my membership in the human race, because gee whiz. We just seem to love killing one another.
August 15, 2025
A good overview of the centuries and events since the European colonialism began. Written decades ago, 1973. A centrist pov but useful if, like me, you didn't know your founding fathers from the goldrushes, earliest states from the constitution, Pioneers from the land grabs and genocide of the Indigenous peoples. Explains how US became the global power that it did.
Slavery and Native Americans are covered but not comprehensively enough. Comes across as elitist and racist in places, possibly due to language of that era.
Slavery and Native Americans are covered but not comprehensively enough. Comes across as elitist and racist in places, possibly due to language of that era.
July 5, 2025
This book might be a little dated now?
Some 50-odd years ago, Alistair Cooke was asked by the BBC to do a short documentary series about the evolution of the US. This book is a written result of that series, expanding on some areas that might not have worked for television.
It’s informative, as far as it goes, but having just read Howard Zinn’s book about the same topic, it’s less detailed, reports the "generally held" point of view of the conquerors with less challenge, and is perhaps dated now, I think.
Some 50-odd years ago, Alistair Cooke was asked by the BBC to do a short documentary series about the evolution of the US. This book is a written result of that series, expanding on some areas that might not have worked for television.
It’s informative, as far as it goes, but having just read Howard Zinn’s book about the same topic, it’s less detailed, reports the "generally held" point of view of the conquerors with less challenge, and is perhaps dated now, I think.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews