The book-selling business

How publishing became the book-selling business.

• 14 mins

The World Series gets the vote, 1980

Voters tune in to the World Series while the candidates slug it out.

• 14 mins

Ronald Reagan’s victory, 1980

Ronald Reagan defeats Jimmy Carter in the 1980 presidential election.

• 15 mins

Why the pollsters got it wrong

How a 'close contest' turned into a landslide.

• 14 mins

Reagan's political honeymoon

President-elect Reagan enjoys his honeymoon period.

• 14 mins

Reagan's charm offensive

Washington dazed by Reagan's charm offensive.

• 14 mins

The waiting game

Pundits speculate on Reagan's true intentions while the Carter regime plays on.

• 14 mins

John Lennon’s assassination

Will the death of John Lennon have an effect on the gun rights lobby in America?

• 15 mins

Haig joins Cabinet

President-elect announces General Haig as his choice for Secretary of State.

• 14 mins

Chrysler financial crisis deepens

Auto workers lobby Reagan as Chrysler's financial crisis worsens.

• 14 mins

Winter in Vermont

Everyday life in the deep snow of a Vermont winter.

• 14 mins

Reagan chooses cabinet, 1981

Reagan's cabinet choices mean a slow start.

• 14 mins

Haig questioned by Senate committee

Haig's fitness as Secretary of State questioned by Senate committee.

• 14 mins

President Reagan’s inauguration, 1981

As President Reagan's inauguration takes place, 52 US hostages are released in Iran.

• 15 mins

Press overkill on hostages return

Saturation coverage by TV networks as the hostages return from Iran.

• 14 mins

The new First Lady

Nancy Reagan is copied - and cartooned.

• 14 mins

Grim news on deficit

Reagan admits budget deficit much larger than feared.

• 14 mins

A meeting of minds, 1981

Thatcher's visit to the new president is anticipated as a love-fest.

• 14 mins

Inflation dips slightly

Public excitement over drop in inflation rate - but economists show less enthusiasm.

• 14 mins

Meet the neighbours

President Reagan to visit Canada amid fears over environment.

• 14 mins

US looks to Far East

Moves for better US-Far East relations.

• 14 mins

Assassination attempt on Reagan

President Reagan survives an assassination attempt by John Hinckley on 30th March 1981.

• 15 mins

Protecting the president

Calls for better protection after Reagan assassination attempt.

• 14 mins

Columbia space shuttle, 1981

Space shuttle Columbia makes first return landing.

• 14 mins

Reagan budget-cutting campaign, 1981

Axe falls on government spending as Reagan's budget cuts begin.

• 14 mins

Remembering Jack Thum, 1981

Mickey Rooney portrays professional clown Jack Thum.

• 14 mins

Grain embargo stalls

Embargo on grain exports to Russia fails.

• 14 mins

New York bomb threats

Mystery blitz of bomb threats after Kennedy Airport device kills man.

• 14 mins

Reagan at West Point

President Reagan addresses graduates at West Point.

• 14 mins

Reagan's policies stalled

Election promises fade as reality scuppers new administration's plans.

• 14 mins