具体描述
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.
Alistair Cooke's America Alistair Cooke's America is more than just a book; it is a seasoned observer's intimate and often affectionate portrait of a nation, painted with the sharp wit and discerning eye that made its author a household name for generations. This work, born from Cooke's seminal BBC television series of the same name, invites readers on a journey across the vast tapestry of the United States, exploring its defining characteristics, its enduring myths, and the very soul of its people. It is a narrative that eschews dry historical recitation for a more personal and insightful exploration, revealing the enduring allure and perplexing contradictions that make America, America. Cooke, a British journalist who spent the majority of his adult life immersed in the American experience, possessed a unique vantage point. He was an insider who remained an outsider, allowing him to observe with a clarity and detachment that few could match. His prose, as it was in his celebrated "Letter from America" broadcasts, is a masterclass in elegant simplicity, laced with subtle humor and a profound understanding of human nature. In America, he applies this same skill to a grander canvas, dissecting the nation's past and present with a steady hand and an unpretentious curiosity. The book is not a chronological history in the traditional sense. Instead, Cooke weaves a thematic exploration, drawing connections between historical moments and contemporary realities. He delves into the foundational ideals that shaped the nation, such as liberty, opportunity, and self-reliance, examining how these concepts have been interpreted, challenged, and reinvented over time. He confronts the persistent tension between the romanticized vision of America and its often messier, more complex lived experience. One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to capture the diverse landscapes and cultures that constitute the American mosaic. From the rugged individualism of the West to the bustling metropolises of the East, from the deep South's rich heritage to the progressive spirit of the West Coast, Cooke traverses these regions with a keen appreciation for their distinct identities. He doesn't merely describe the geography; he connects it to the people who inhabit it, revealing how the land has shaped their aspirations, their struggles, and their very way of life. He paints vivid pictures of small towns and sprawling cities, of quiet farms and bustling industrial centers, imbuing each with a sense of place and character. Cooke's analysis often focuses on the recurring themes that have defined American identity. He probes the "American Dream," a concept as potent as it is elusive, exploring its different manifestations and the persistent hope it inspires. He examines the role of faith, from its early Puritan roots to its contemporary expressions, and its influence on the nation's moral and social fabric. He tackles the complex and often painful legacy of race, acknowledging its profound impact on the American story and its ongoing reverberations. Throughout the book, Cooke intersperses his observations with insightful anecdotes and portraits of key figures and everyday Americans who have, in their own ways, contributed to the national narrative. He doesn't shy away from the controversial or the uncomfortable, but he approaches such subjects with a dispassionate yet empathetic gaze. His aim is not to condemn or to praise unequivocally, but to understand. He seeks to uncover the motivations, the triumphs, and the failures that have propelled the nation forward, often in unexpected directions. America is characterized by Cooke's unique ability to humanize grand historical forces. He brings to life the settlers who ventured westward, the immigrants who sought new beginnings, the entrepreneurs who built empires, and the ordinary citizens who have grappled with the nation's evolving challenges. He understands that history is not just about dates and events, but about the lives and decisions of individuals, both celebrated and forgotten. The book also reflects on the peculiar nature of American optimism, a resilient spirit that seems to weather even the most daunting storms. Cooke explores the sources of this optimism, its connection to the nation's vast resources and its democratic ideals, but also its potential for naivety and its tendency to overlook the complexities of the world. He observes the American penchant for reinvention, both on a personal and national level, a constant drive to move forward, to build anew, and to leave behind the perceived limitations of the past. Furthermore, Cooke’s narrative is infused with a deep appreciation for the American cultural output. He considers the influence of American literature, music, and film, recognizing their role in shaping both national identity and global perception. He understands how these cultural expressions offer windows into the American psyche, revealing its hopes, its anxieties, and its evolving values. The narrative style of America is what truly sets it apart. Cooke's prose is conversational yet precise, engaging yet intellectually stimulating. He possesses an uncanny knack for distilling complex ideas into accessible language, making his insights available to a broad readership. His wit is never gratuitous; it serves to illuminate, to disarm, and to make the reader think. He often employs gentle irony to point out the incongruities and paradoxes inherent in the American experiment, but always with an underlying respect for the nation he has come to know so well. Cooke's exploration is not an attempt to provide definitive answers, but rather to pose thoughtful questions and to invite the reader to join him in contemplation. He acknowledges that America is a work in progress, a perpetually unfolding story with no predetermined conclusion. His insights are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published, offering timeless observations on the enduring strengths and persistent challenges of this extraordinary nation. In essence, Alistair Cooke's America is an invitation to see America through the eyes of a wise and experienced observer. It is a journey of discovery, not just of a country, but of the complex and compelling human spirit that has shaped it. It is a testament to the power of astute observation, eloquent prose, and a genuine affection for the subject matter. The book remains a vital and engaging exploration of a nation that continues to fascinate and inspire the world.
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BBC：美国来鸿.Alistair.Cooke's.America.第一集.初见.The.First.Impact.[夏末秋字幕组].rmvb
评分BBC：美国来鸿.Alistair.Cooke's.America.第一集.初见.The.First.Impact.[夏末秋字幕组].rmvb
评分BBC：美国来鸿.Alistair.Cooke's.America.第一集.初见.The.First.Impact.[夏末秋字幕组].rmvb
评分BBC：美国来鸿.Alistair.Cooke's.America.第一集.初见.The.First.Impact.[夏末秋字幕组].rmvb
评分BBC：美国来鸿.Alistair.Cooke's.America.第一集.初见.The.First.Impact.[夏末秋字幕组].rmvb
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