Cuba: A History

‘An astonishing feat … the author does more to explain the phenomenon of Fidel’s rise to power than anybody else has done so far’ SPECTATOR

Hugh Thomas’s acclaimed book explores the whole sweep of Cuban history from the British capture of Havana in 1762 through the years of Spanish and United States domination, down to the twentieth century and the extraordinary revolution of Fidel Castro.

Throughout this period of over two hundred yeras, Thomas covers subjects ranging from sugar, tobacco and education to slavery, war and occupation.

Cuba is the essential work for understanding one of the most fascinating and controversial countries in the world.

‘Immensely readable.

Thomas’s notion of history’s scope is generous, for he has not limited himself to telling old political and military events; he describes Cuban culture at all stages … not merely accessible but absorbing.

His language is witty but never mocking, crisp but never harsh’ NEW YORKER

‘Thomas seems to have talked to everybody not dead or in jail, and read everything.

He is scrupulously fair’ TIME