Cuba

A New History

Richard Gott author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Yale University Press

Published:11th Nov '05

Should be back in stock very soon

Cuba cover

This insightful exploration of Cuba's history covers its revolutionary past and the Castro regime, highlighting lesser-known aspects such as racism, black rebellions, and the Revolution's resilience after the Soviet Union's collapse.

In "Cuba," British journalist Richard Gott provides a comprehensive exploration of the island's history, tracing its journey from pre-Columbian times to the contemporary era. This insightful work sheds light on Cuba's revolutionary past and the complexities of the Castro regime, addressing events that have captured global attention and sparked intense debate, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Elián González incident. Gott's perspective offers a refreshing European viewpoint on a nation often analyzed primarily through an American lens.

The author delves into lesser-known facets of Cuban history, highlighting the persistent issues of racism and violence that have shaped the island's social fabric. He examines the resilience of its indigenous populations, the significance of black rebellions, and the enduring impact of Spanish colonialism. Through this exploration, readers gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context that has influenced Cuba's development over the centuries.

Gott also presents a nuanced examination of the Cuban Revolution, focusing on Fidel Castro's intricate relationship with the Soviet Union, military engagements in Africa, and efforts to inspire revolutionary movements throughout Latin America and among African Americans. In the concluding sections, he recounts the remarkable story of the Revolution's endurance in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Overall, "Cuba" serves as an essential resource for those seeking to grasp the complexities of this fascinating island nation and its significant role in global history.

"This is an accessible and well researched account by Gott."—Richard Lapper, Financial Times



"Written with verve and scholarship, Cuba: A New History isthe best history yet of this beautiful West Indian Island."—Ian Thomson, Saturday Telegraph



"Richard Gott’s invaluable Cuba: A New History dispelsmany convenient myths."—Adam Feinstein, The Guardian



"An excellent addition to Hugh Thomas’s classic Cuba and other more recent histories, this book is highly recommended for public and academic libraries."—Library Journal



"Gott achieves the almost impossible feat of a measured, if appreciative, portrait of Cuba’s leaders."—Alistair Hennessy, The New Left Review



"It is the distilled thought of one who has studied the island’s history and closely followed the career of Castro, its leader since 1959."—Hugh O’ Shaughnessy, BBC History Magazine



Chosen as an "Outstanding" academic title in 2006 by Choice Magazine

ISBN: 9780300111149

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 358g

400 pages