Alistair Cooke is retiring, and I must say that I'm surprised. After over 50 years, I had expected him to keep on until he dropped in his traces.
I suppose it shows my age, that I have such a remarkable fondness for the gentleman. He was certainly a notable influence on my cultural upbringing, via his work on PBS. But what really draws me to him on a more personal level is the manner in which he reflects the best parts of an earlier era, when conversation was an art form and graciousness was not only common but expected. There is so much about him that reminds me of my beloved grandfather, himself a remarkable example of intelligence and generous civility; I miss him on a daily basis, and I will miss Alistair as well. I'm not sure we will ever have another journalist like him.
Posted at March 2, 2004 10:52 AM in News & Events