LETTER FROM AMERICA by Alistair Cooke (Penguin, £8.99): FOR close on six decades, Alistair Cooke's Letter from America gave a penetrating insight into the changing social and political landscape of his adopted country.

This book carries a collection from his legendary BBC Radio 4 broadcasts, including his reflections on the assassination of John Kennedy and a first-hand account of the killing of his brother Bob. Watergate, the upsurge in drug abuse and the changing colours of the new England also feature. Covering a wide range of subjects, Cooke always displays an uncanny knack of being able to sum up situations. An illuminating read.

ALL OF THESE PEOPLE: A MEMOIR by Fergal Keane (Harper Collins, £18.99)

MORE often than not, the memoirs of foreign correspondents are hard-nosed accounts of derring-do, with the ego of the writer never too far from the surface. Fergal Keane gives a refreshing slant in his take on the craft of reporting international affairs in a memoir from his days as a cub reporter in Ireland to the world stage. His experiences have included covering the violence of apartheid in South Africa and the genocide of Rwanda. At the heart of his book is his relationship with his alcoholic father and his own battle with the demon drink. His self criticism is brutally candid - to the point of self-flagellation - but without the usually attendant self pity. By addressing his own fallibilities in such an open way, Keane measures up as a thoroughly decent and endearing person. An enjoyable read.

SHOOTING HISTORY by Jon Snow (Harper Perremial, £7.99)

TO many television viewers, news presenter Jon Snow is known for his colourful choice of ties. But he has enjoyed a career even more colourful. In this book he takes the reader through a fascinating career covering conflicts throughout the world. Snow gives riveting accounts of the nasty wars of central America, the Iranian hostage crisis and bungled American rescue attempt, and Russia's invasion of Afghanistan. His interviewees have included despots such as Idi Amin and key world leaders. The style is engaging and informative. A page-turner.

Published: 14/06/2005