Letters to and from President Kennedy are published in book form and edited by Martin W Sandler to mark fifty years since the assassination of 1963. And a selection, abridged in five episodes by Penny Leicester, reveal the drama and tensions to do with American foreign policy. Other letters reveal Kennedy's wit and warmth when contacting friends and members of the public:

2. At the time of his inauguration Kennedy was lauded by a famous poet. Afterwards he wrote about the threat of communism and America's youth abroad. He also wished somebody a very happy birthday.

Readers Colin Stinton, Richard Laing, Peter Marinker, Trevor White and Stephen Greif.

Producer Duncan Minshull. Show less