A Short History of Revolutionary Cuba

(Hardback)

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Few island nations have stirred the soul like Cuba. From Hemingways intoxicating Havana to Ry Cooders Buena Vista Social Club, outsiders have persistently been fascinated by Cuba for its music (jazz to rumba), its rich literature, its art and dance (danzn to mambo) and perhaps above all for its bold experiment of a socialist revolution in action. Antoni Kapcia shows how the thaw in relations between Cuba and the USA now makes a fresh appraisal of the country and its modern history essential. He authoritatively explores the essence of the Cuban revolution, revealing it to be a maverick phenomenon tied not so much to socialism or Communism for their own sakes but instead to an idealistic vision of postcolonial nationalism. Reassessing the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the author examines the central personalities: not just the famous trio of Che Guevara, Fidel and Ral Castro in shaping the ideas of the revolution but, still further back, the visionary ideology of Jos Mart. Kapcias book reflects on the future of the revolution as al nd his government began to cede power to a new generation.

Reviews

Antoni Kapcia offers a probing, intellectually challenging, and deeply informed synthesis of Cubas contemporary history that provides much fodder for reflection and debate. * Hispanic American Historical Review *
Kapcias new book is a provocative and pertinent study, reconsidering Cubas revolutionary development and survival, despite overwhelming odds. He uses an innovative, fresh approach to address key ideological and political developments in the six decades of the Revolution, challenging many long-held interpretations. Insightful, provocative and balanced, the book is essential reading for all interested in Cubas 60-year (r)evolutionary process. * John M. Kirk is Professor of Latin American Studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. *

Author Bio

Antoni Kapcia is Professor of Latin American History at the University of Nottingham. His previous books on modern Cuba include Leadership in the Cuban Revolution: The Unseen Story (2014); Cuba in Revolution: A History since the Fifties (2008); Havana: The Making of Cuban Culture (2005); and Cuba: Island of Dreams (2000).