Cuba (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize)
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 4,147 ratings, 581 reviews)Found a better price? Request a price match
Cuba (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize)
Cuba (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize)
Cuba: An American History by Dr. Ada Ferrer presents an expansive and vivid chronicle of Cuba, exploring its profound and intricate relationship with the United States over five centuries. Meticulously researched and beautifully written, this landmark work is an extraordinary achievement from one of the preeminent historians in the field.
The narrative opens with the indigenous societies of the island before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, charting the impact of Spanish colonisation and the dramatic shifts brought about by the transatlantic slave trade. Dr. Ferrer navigates through Cuba's tumultuous history, detailing its struggle for independence from Spain and the subsequent interference of the United States, which has shaped the island’s destiny in numerous ways.
The story advances through the twentieth century, portraying the turbulence of political movements and revolutions, seminal moments such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the rise of Fidel Castro's revolutionary regime. Dr. Ferrer provides a detailed examination of the complex dynamics between Cuba and the United States, highlighting the intricate dance of diplomacy, conflict, and cultural exchanges that have defined their relationship.
In 1961, the Cold War tensions culminated in the severance of diplomatic ties between the United States and Cuba, following the revolutionary upheaval that brought Fidel Castro to power three years earlier. For over fifty years, this rift persisted, marked by significant events including Castro's enduring rule and his ultimate death in 2016, followed by his brother Raúl Castro's retirement in 2021. Meanwhile, in the U.S., policy towards Cuba shifted dramatically—from President Obama's historic opening to President Trump's robust reversal, and the subsequent election of Joe Biden, who has rekindled debates about America’s stance towards the island.
Dr. Ferrer offers more than a historical account; she delivers a relentless interrogation of the past, urging a reassessment of the U.S.-Cuban relationship. Ferrer's narrative is anchored by lively insights, lucid prose, and an impressive breadth of knowledge, making this an indispensable read. Readers are invited to witness the evolution of Cuba, from its days under colonial rule through its various revolutions and transformations, to its present state.
With rigorous scholarship, Dr. Ferrer delves into the subtleties of the U.S.-Cuban interactions, revealing how each nation's fate has been interwoven with the other's. This exploration provides Americans with illuminating perspectives on their own history, urging them to envision a future shaped by a renewed connection with Cuba. As noted by The Economist, “readers will close this fascinating book with a sense of hope.”
Brimming with compelling narratives and remarkable figures, Cuba: An American History is the culmination of over thirty years of exhaustive research conducted in Cuba, Spain, and the United States, augmented by the author's extensive travels to the island. Dr. Ferrer's unique vantage point and relentless dedication ensure that this work stands as a monumental achievement in historical literature.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in History and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in History, Cuba: An American History is a vital, moving, and enlightening work—a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the enduring and ever-evolving ties between Cuba and the United States.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781501154560
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Format: Paperback / softback
Country: United States
Imprint: Scribner
Illustration: 2 4-c 8-pg inserts; 1-c images and maps t-o;
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 30.0mm
Width: 140.0mm
Height: 213.0mm
Weight: 522g
Pages: 576
About the Author
Ada Ferrer is Julius Silver Professor of History and Latin American and Caribbean Studies at New York University, where she has taught since 1995. She is the author of Insurgent Cuba: Race, Nation, and Revolution, 1868–1898, winner of the Berkshire Book Prize for the best first book by a woman in any field of history, and Freedom’s Mirror: Cuba and Haiti in the Age of Revolution, which won the Frederick Douglass Book Prize from the Gilder Lehrman Center at Yale University as well as multiple prizes from the American Historical Association. Born in Cuba and raised in the United States, she has been traveling to and conducting research on the island since 1990.
More from History & Military
View allWhy buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Pick Ups
We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.