Caribbean Books

Hostetter has put together a crucially important book on Cuba--well edited and well researched, it provides expansive insight into this island nation. A must-read for scholars, as well as all others interested in understanding this country and its rich history and culture.

Hostetter does it again! Her insight into the Cuban nation offers a new perspective on this tiny island nation. I wouldn't be suprised if Castro himself lights a cigar, strokes his beard and curls up with this masterpiece! MUST READ!!!!!

Yes, we've all seen great photos of classic cars in Cuba--but this book will make you swoon. Your knees will buckle, and you will become feverish with desire to get yourself to Cuba as soon as possible. Magnificent.

Chris Baker is the preeminent travel writer covering Cuba today. His guidebooks for National Geographic Traveler and Moon Publishing are biblical Baedekers for anyone traveling to the island. "Mi Moto Fidel," his book-length journey around the island on a BMW motorcycle, reads like a Hemingwayan novel -- and has garnered prestigious writing awards. Now, with "Cuba Classics," Baker has taken his already impressive act to a new level, displaying his skill as a photographer, which is nothing short of artistry. His stunning photographs of vintage American autos -- so plentiful in Cuba -- are not only wonderful depictions of cars not seen in the U.S. for decades, but are the subjects of photos that demonstrate a photographer's instinctively artistic command of format, color, tone, and lighting. Settings for the autos often speak to the greater issue of the Cuban landscape, both urban and rural. It's a must book for car buffs, for anyone interested in photographic artistry, for anyone enamoured of beautiful writing. As a long-time fan of Baker's journalism, I have found myself asking what else could he possibly do to present another aspect of this island country he knows and loves? "Cuba Classics" is the latest answer to that question. Kudos.

Au lieu de nous faire dire que ? tout va ? la droite, ? c'est un plaisir de se faire convaincre que le pouvoir va ? droite, mais que nous, tout comme nos contemporains ? Cuba, nous sommes en train de pr?parer une riposte qui peut ?tre victorieuse.

L'auteur, Jack Barnes, ?tait un jeune ?tudiant universitaire aux ?tats-Unis pendant la d?faite de Washington ? la Baie des Cochons ? Cuba en 1961. Celle qui a ?crit la pr?face, Mary-Alice Waters, ?tudiait en France quelques mois plus tard. Elle y a v?cu l'impact de la r?volution alg?rienne sur la population enti?re - le Vi?t-nam de la France. Tous les deux sont devenus des communistes ? travers ces ?v?nements. Ils le sont encore.

Fidel Castro est cit?, ? On verra une r?volution victorieuse aux ?tats-Unis avant une contre-r?volution victorieuse ? Cuba. ? Et ce livre nous convainc que c'est vrai!

De fait ?a donne une id?e pourquoi Castro demeure celui qui est accueilli par des foules enthousiastes, peu importe o? il va -- visite diplomatique en R?publique dominicaine, arr?t ? New York ? l'ONU ou discours en Iran. Parce que la r?volution cubaine nous dit quelque chose sur qu'est-ce que nous pouvons faire ?galement dans nos pays -- et on aime ?a.

Les discours reproduits dans le livre t?moignent d'une confiance in?branlable dans la capacit? du monde ordinaire de faire des choses extraordinaires. C'est une confiance certainement forg?e initialement par un contact avec le peuple qui, ? l'?poque, savait ? peine lire et ?crire, mais qui a fait agenouiller Washington. Mais, de toute ?vidence, cette confiance a ?t? renforc?e par les actions des travailleurs et des jeunes sur le sol nord-am?ricain. ?a me donne le go?t de faire la m?me chose.

" Cuba et la revolution americaine a venir ". La question qui vient immediatement en tete est : quand? La semaine des quatre jeudis?

Dans ce livre, l'auteur, Jack Barnes explique l'impact de la revolution cubaine sur sa generation au tout debut des annees 60. Il decrit comment les travailleurs et les jeunes Cubains ont transforme sa perspective politique. Comment, a leur contact quotidien dans le cadre d'une brigade de solidarite, il a appris a les conna?tre, a les respecter et a les apprecier.

Mais encore plus que cela, il a appris comment la revolution cubaine n'est pas unique. Comment ce que les Cubains ont accompli - une revolution socialiste - peut, et doit, se faire aux Etats-Unis. Il fait le point sur le lien entre les luttes aux Etats-Unis pour les droits des travailleurs, des Noirs et des femmes et la revolution cubaine a ce moment-la et aujourd'hui.

Mary-Alice Waters, dans sa preface, apporte une autre dimension en decrivant son experience en France a cette epoque et l'impact de la revolution algerienne en Europe et dans les Ameriques. Pour elle, c'est la revolution en Algerie qui l'a amenee a mieux comprendre celle a Cuba et a voir l'importance des luttes menees aux Etats-Unis contre l'exploitation.

Fascinant, ce livre ne donne pas de recettes et ne fait pas de predictions sur quand et comment la revolution va se faire aux Etats-Unis. C'est une explication concrete du monde d'aujourd'hui, des classes sociales en jeu et du role de la revolution cubaine dans la lutte pour le socialisme a l'echelle internationale. Le livre nous fait mieux comprendre la citation de Fidel Castro sur la derniere de couverture : " Il y aura une revolution victorieuse aux Etats-Unis avant d'avoir une contrerevolution a Cuba ".


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I have always been interested in Cuba, but I have tended to focus on the Health System there and have learned very little about Cuba before Castro and the revolution. This book gives an overall picture of Cuba as it developed through the years from all different perspectives, both positive and negative. Even though the different sections are simply short excerpts from different works, the editors have been able to put everything together in order to show all different aspects of Cuba and its history.

This is the best documentary history of Cuba printed recently. It has not only documents, but also pictures, songs, etc. As Cuba is a controversial subject, the authors give broad swath of documents to present Cuban history.

This speech records a great moment in history the prosecution of Cuba's rectification process a struggle against the type of bureaucratism and corruption that led to Stalin's victory in the Soviet Union. Castro explains this is Cuba's part in the world struggle to build socialism. It also records another great result of Cuba's struggle" the victory of Cuban-Angolan-SWAPO forces against the South African army in southern Angola in early 1988 that led to the downfall of the Apartheid Regime in South Africa and independence for Angola and Namibia.

Fidel emphasizes all of this has been a result of the struggle against the narrow selfish outlook that Capitalism breeds. Fidel's message is really aimed at the discussions that led to the breakup of official Stalinism in the USSR and Eastern Europe. While some use this great opening for free political discussion and mass involvement to fall back to capitalism, Cuba's example and this speech by Castro shows the way forward is to socialism!

Some lump Cuba's government in with the wide assortment of progressive or populist regimes that have come and gone over the years. What makes Cuba different? Why has it been able to stand up to the U.S. so successfully? How has it been able to provide such an unmatched record of solidarity and service in behalf of oppressed peoples? The answer is to be found in this speech by Fidel Castro. Cuba had a socialist revolution and does not rely on capitalist methods.It does not rely on wealth, greed, corruption or cronyism to get things done. Cuba relies on the understanding and dedication of its workers and farmers. To take a current example, in Cuba, the government is able to mobilize its population and make sure that no one suffers or dies in a hurricane. Contrast this with the U.S. where capitalist methods are followed, leaving workers in New Orleans or Miami in the midst of an unending social disaster. In this speech, Castro outlines that it will not rest on its laurels or allow any of the corruption that marked the Stalinist regimes of the USSR. In the last part of this speech, Fidel provides a wonderful explanation of the Cuba-Angola victory over South African apartheid in 1988. Once again, Cuba mobilized its workers and farmers, sending tens of thousands of troops, saving Angola from conques,t and proving that apartheid was not invincible. This inspiring little book truly explains what makes Cuba different.

There is a revolution coming inthe USA, and it is interwined with the one in Cuba. Read this book and find out. . . . The Cuban revolution and especially the resistance and defeat of the US mercenary invasion at the Bay of Pigs is the starting point of this book. The author and tbe book's editor Mary Alice Waters were students at Carlton College in Minnesota in the early 1960s. This book discusses how the Cuban revolution, and building a student movement to fight for the truth about that revolution radicalize them and other students, and the lessons they learned building a movement to defend Cuba during the Bay of Pigs Invasion.

Barnes extends the Cuba experience to lay out a program for working people in the 21 Century accurately evaluating Bush and Gore as the same poison. He provides real a real program against both liberal and conservative probusiness politics. What I love about this book is the stream of history: the fighters of Cuba, the students and Black activists who defended the revolution, and going forward to fight for socialist in this world in the 21st Century


While this book may be listed as unavailable on Amazon from time to time, it is now always available on Amazon Marketplace seller Pathfinder's z-shop that you can find by clicking on new and used on the top of the page.

Este libro cuenta la historia de los jóvenes militantes socialistas norteamericanos que unieron con otros para realizar acciones en defensa de la soberanía cubana y de su revolución, tanto durante la invasión de la Playa Girón (llamada por acá la "Bahía de Cochinos") como durante la crisis de octubre de 1962 (acá "la crisis de los mísiles"). Lo más importante es que este libro plantea la experiencia de unos militantes proletarios que construyen un partido obrero como parte del movimiento laboral, con la perspectiva de ayudar a dirigir un movimiento de millones a hacer una revolución aquí. Sí, aquí, -en las entrañas de la bestia imperial-. Explica la etapa actual de la crisis económica mundial del capitalismo, entrado ya en depresión mundial, la guerra de los superricos en contra los trabajadores en los EE.UU. y en contra de los trabajadores y campesinos del mundo entero, el crecimiento permanente de resistencia. Plantea un programa de acción de aquí y ahora para unir los trabajadores y agricultores pequeños de los EE.UU. con nuestros hermanos y hermanas de clase en el dizque "Tercer Mundo". Por supuesto se trata de la necesidad del movimiento laboral norteamericano por ser el defensor de las nacionalidades oprimidas, los trabajadores inmigrantes y de las mujeres. Como dijo un líder socialista norteamericano: cuando se alza, la clase trabajadora norteamericana podrá levantar el mundo.

The newest addition to the ABC-CLIO 'Global Studies: Latin America & The Caribbean' series, "Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook", compiled and written by Ted Henken (a Fellow at the Bildner Center for Western Hemisphere Studies, CUNY Graduate Center, new York) and an academic specialist in Cuban Economics) provides a detailed overview of Cuba's geography and history, its economics and development, as well as its institutions, culture and society. Of special note is the Reference Section highlighting key events in Cuban history; significant people, places, and events; Cuban language, food, etiquette, and holidays; Cuba-related organizations, on-line publications, and websites. Enhanced with the inclusion of an extensive bibliography and a detailed index, "Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook" is an especially appropriate addition to academic and community library International Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook provides a clear, provocative, and up-to-date overview of Cuban historical, political, economic, and sociocultural development from the pre-Columbian period to the present day with an emphasis on the Cuban Revolution, U.S.-Cuban relations, and Cuba's current socio-economic reality.

This comprehensive reference/text book of almost 600 pages seeks to present the many diverse characteristics of Cuba (music and dance, literature, cinema, revolutionary politics, Cuban exile politics, sugar/tobacco/rum, U.S. policy, history of the Spanish conquest and African slavery, and state socialist economics), as a complex but integrated whole - without trying to over-simplify or trivialize any of these characteristics.

Moreover, this ambitious work is written by an author who has a broad expertise in a wide array of contemporary Cuban reality having traveled to the island more than a dozen times since 1997. As such, the book benefits from direct, first-hand knowledge of the everyday struggles and engaging, endearing characteristics of the Cuban people (both on the island and in exile).

This exposure and sensitivity allows the author to provide the reader with sympathetic, dignified, but critical-minded portrayals of both committed revolutionaries and ardent counter-revolutionaries, refusing to choose sides between those Cubans who left and those who have remained in their homeland.

The book also includes a critical assessment of U.S. policy toward Cuba since the beginnings of the 19th century with John Quincy Adams' "ripe fruit" policy, up to the imposition of the Platt Amendment on the newly independent Cuban nation in 1902, culminating with the U.S. embargo (1960 - Eisenhower/Kennedy) and its hardening into the Helms-Burton Act (1996 - Clinton) and the measures of the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba (2003 - Bush).

CONTENTS: Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook provides an overview of Cuban historical, political, economic, and socio-cultural development from the pre-Columbian period to the present day with an emphasis on the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

The book contains four narrative chapters on (1) geography and history, (2) economics and development, (3) institutions, and (4) culture and society - each with its own bibliography.

This is followed by a reference section that provides fresh, detailed information on key historical events, important people, Cuban Spanish, etiquette (national habits and traditions, cuisine, and holidays), and leading institutions and organizations both in Cuba and abroad.

The book ends with an annotated bibliography that lists some of the most helpful resources used in preparing this volume (including books, newspapers, periodicals, films and documentaries, and websites).

Interspersed throughout the text are more than forty of the author's own photographs taken in Cuba since 1997, a timeline of Cuban history, a chart tracing the development of Cuban popular music, and a "discography" or listeners guide to some of Cuba's best music.

In sum, the book tells a critical yet sympathetic tale of Cuba's history and development, aimed at appealing especially to curious observers who want to add some historical weight and socio-cultural depth to what they already know about the island.

While the book is titled, Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook, it could well be subtitled, "Cuba: The Country that Dreamed It Was a Continent." That is, the island of Cuba has long had a political, strategic, and cultural importance that belied by its relatively small size, meager natural resource base, and scant population. Why is Cuba so BIG? Read this book to find out.

About the author: Ted A. Henken is an assistant professor of Black and Hispanic Studies and Sociology/Anthropology at Baruch College, City University of New York. He received a Ph.D. in Latin American Studies from the Stone Center for Latin American Studies, Tulane University, 2002. Dr. Henken has traveled to Cuba on numerous occasions since 1997 to lead educational exchanges for Tulane University's Cuban/Caribbean Studies Institute and the CubaNola Collective, to attend academic conferences, and to conduct research. His work on Cuba has appeared in the journals Cuban Studies, Encuentro de la cultura cubana, Latin American Research Review, Latino Studies, and Cuba in Transition. He is a member of the board of directors of the Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy (ASCE).

I was drawn to the book by the powerful and fun photographic images. Ledbetter does an outstanding job capturing the images of Cuban life in a way that allows you to both celebrate it and to empathise with the struggle of the Cuban people.

The Essays are an unexpected extra in a book of this nature that make the work a multi-dimensional experience. It appeals to those interested in both Photography and Cuba. I highly recommend it!

This magnificent collection of photographs captures the beauty, spirit and mystery of Cuba, the USA's often-overlooked neighbor... Ledbetter's clear, passionate and respectful eye has created a stunning work -- the book takes us far more deeply into the Cuban culture than the soundbites of recent news stories (Elian Gonzales, President Carter's visit) allow. Ledbetter's photographs and the accompanying essays make this book essential for anyone who wishes to understand Cuba more fully; the book also richly rewards the reader who simply appreciates great photography.

I bought nearly 20 cds just before my daughter was born and this quickly became our favorite. If you enjoy Cuban music, you will find this music enchanting and lovely. 13 mos. after her birth, my daughter now dances to the songs. I will cherish this cd and the memories it evokes for years to come.

If you enjoy expanding your cultural horizons, you'll enjoy this beautiful CD. Even if you are not Cuban or Spanish speaking the songs will relax and amuse you and your little one. I am so glad to be able to share the rich gift of Cuban music with my son - and this is a great addition to our collection. Although some of the same songs appear twice on the CD - the interpretation of the artists are unique and timeless in and of themselves. I'll be giving it to friends as gifts in the future.

Reviewer: luismendez@codetel.net.do from DOMINICAN REPUBLIC It is the first book that i have read which is written by an american who knows what he is talking about. very serious and concern treatment of topics. i like specially the part about latin american writers and their changing ideology

LUIS MENDEZ crazzyteacher@hotmail.com

It is the first book that i have read which is written by an american who knows what he is talking about. very serious and concern treatment of topics. i like specially the part about latin american writers and their changing ideology.

LUIS MENDEZ