Â鶹Éç

**** This programme was suggested by Robert Stallard, Fiona Mcphail, Jill Smith and Nick Stewart as part of Â鶹Éç Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Weekend ****

1987, 21:30 on Â鶹Éç Radio 4 FM

By the age of 78, Alistair Cooke had continued - almost without interruption - to send his weekly observations on American life and politics.

For his 2,000th letter, the veteran broadcaster reflects on health, illness, the AIDS epidemic and longevity.

His weekly 15 minute talks on American life, history and politics were broadcast on Â鶹Éç radio from 1946 – 2004.

Producer: Margaret Hill

First broadcast on Â鶹Éç Radio 4 in June 1987.

**** To nominate a programme from the archives that you would like to hear again, please email radio4extra@bbc.co.uk ****