Fidel Castro's triumphant march into Havana on January 8, 1959 signaled the end to Cuba's old order and the beginning of a new era. This one-stop guide to the Cuban revolution analyzes Castro's drive to oust Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. The reader will gain an understanding of the revolt and its causes and consequences. Two additional chapters examine Castro's efforts to pursue an independent foreign policy and an analysis of the ever-changing characteristics of the Cuban-American community and its relationship to the homeland. A variety of selected documents supplement the main points of each chapter. Ready-reference features include: a chronology of events in the history of Cuba and the Cuban revolution; lengthy biographical profiles of 23 major figures in the history of Cuba and the revolution that provide the reader with insights into the political thinking and contributions each made to the Cuban historical experience; and the text of 15 key primary documents on the topics, including statements by Fidel Castro, President John F. Kennedy, and President Bill Clinton. A glossary of frequently cited terms, an annotated bibliography, and photos make this work ideally suited for student research.

The book would serve as a valuable aid to students in courses in Latin American and/or Caribbean History, as well as U.S. Foreign Relations. Beyong its appeal to readers who are new to the subject of Cuba, Leonard's book merits the attention of specialists, who will be interested in the concise and objective observations of a veteran scholar, and who will find it convenient to have the book near at hand as a reference. -South Eastern Latin Americanist
This book is a well-written introduction to Castro's Cuba. It will be extremely useful for undergraduate research. -American Reference Books Annual
?This book is a well-written introduction to Castro's Cuba. It will be extremely useful for undergraduate research.?-American Reference Books Annual
?The book would serve as a valuable aid to students in courses in Latin American and/or Caribbean History, as well as U.S. Foreign Relations. Beyong its appeal to readers who are new to the subject of Cuba, Leonard's book merits the attention of specialists, who will be interested in the concise and objective observations of a veteran scholar, and who will find it convenient to have the book near at hand as a reference.?-South Eastern Latin Americanist

THOMAS M. LEONARD is Distinguished Professor of History and Director of the International Studies Program at the University of North Florida. He is the author of seven books on Latin America, including Guide to Central American Collections in the United States (Greenwood, 1994). His area of specialization is U.S.-Central American relations.