Cuba: A New History, 02 Nov 2008
'Cuba: A New History' is an excellent account of Cuban history up until this books publication in 2004. Gott manages to write in a completely engaging way and draws you in to the rich and diverse history of this amazing Caribbean island. This is in no way a dry and uninspiring read, but one that helps you immerse yourself in the history and developments over the years. From Spanish colonial rule, US intervention and soviet support, Cuba has managed to retain some remnant of it's own identity and this book shows this side perfectly. The first 100 pages (looking at Spanish Colonial rule and the slave trades to Cuba) were the hardest to engage with for me, but as soon as the revolution occurred and the book focused on the Castro government and all that it entails, I became hooked to this masterly text. The author doesn't seem overly biased one way or the other, although you can tell he has respect for this tiny island nation. He doesn't seem to be too sensationalist either, for example when Che Guevara dies it is noted in quite an understated way and not overly hyped to have a greater impact. Two minor flaws with this book are the tiny font which by the end had given me serious eye strain, why academic texts insist on using this size font I'll never know. And the other flaw is a distinct lack of decent photography to add to the package. There are a few pages of grey photos in the middle, but not on good quality paper, or especially relevant to the overall text, i've come to expect better from history books these days. These are minor flaws in what is a brilliant account of Cuban history which leaves you with some indication of what the future may hold as well. If Cuba interests you in the slightest, I'd seriously recommend you take a look at this book.

A good survey, but occasionally problematic, 17 Aug 2008
Cuba's history is vast and complex, and Gott does an admirable job in trying to make sense of it all. However, particularly in the first two and a half chapters, he struggles to maintain interest, and at times it can descend into what feels like a list of battles and names, with little overall coherence. Additionally, he constantly looks forward to the future, forseeing revolution 200 years before it happened. Such a teleological approach can be frustrating, and at times does lead to some inaccurate comparisons between historical figures and Raul, Fidel and Che.

However, in the more modern chapters, Gott does a fantastic job of providing a fair-minded review of Cuba's history. His analysis of the 20th century, and particularly the survey of Cuban-American relations, is detailed and wonderfully written. He makes sense of a complex subject, and provides an account which gives a strong sense of impartiality and intellectual analysis, free from moral critique of either side. For the later chapters, Gott really gets into his stride, and the book is very much worth reading for this analysis alone. Struggle through the first couple of dry chapters and you will discover a rich, well-written history.

AN EXCELLENT SURVEY, 19 Nov 2004
This book should be read by everyone interested in Cuba, in Fidel Castro, and in a nation whose history goes back far earlier than its modern manifestation. Richard Gott has brought a lifetime of expertise to the task, and writes, as in all his books, with wit and wisdom. He has an enviable eye for fascinating, and telling detail, and he unravels history's "granny knots" with unerring skill.

Useful account of Cuba's long struggle for sovereignty, 19 Nov 2004
Richard Gott is a British journalist and historian with many years' experience of covering Latin America. He has written a very useful book on Cuba's long struggle for national independence and sovereignty. The first third of the book examines the Cuban people's struggle against Spanish occupation from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The rest of the book looks at Cuba's 20th century struggle against the US empire.

The USA intervened militarily in Cuba in 1906-09, 1912, 1917-23 and 1961, always on the pretexts of establishing democracy and order. In 1902 the US state imposed the Platt Amendment on Cuba. Its seventh paragraph gave the USA the 'right' to establish permanent military bases on Cuba. It was repealed in 1934, but the dictator Batista signed a new treaty allowing the USA to keep its huge military base at Guantanamo Bay.

Gott shows how in 1959 the people defeated the US-backed dictator by relying on their own forces. He observes that the British and Yugoslavian governments armed Batista to the last moment.

Gott possibly devotes too little attention to the Cuban people's successes in developing their country. He notes, without exploring, Cuba's remarkable achievements in health and education and he fails to mention its pioneering pharmaceutical industry.

But he gives due prominence to Cuba's internationalism, particularly to its selfless military support to the Angolan people in 1988. Nelson Mandela later visited Havana to thank Fidel personally for Cuba's assistance in the struggle against apartheid. He said, "The decisive defeat of the racist army in Cuito Cuanavale was a victory for all Africa ... It made it possible for Angola to enjoy peace and establish its own sovereignty ... and for the people of Namibia to achieve their independence. The decisive defeat of the aggressive apartheid forces destroyed the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor. The defeat of the apartheid army served as an inspiration to the struggling people of South Africa."

Cuba has a proud record of upholding workers' nationalism and of practical internationalism. Whatever foreign observers hope or fear, the Cuban people will never surrender their national independence and sovereignty.

Cuba: A New History, 02 Nov 2008
'Cuba: A New History' is an excellent account of Cuban history up until this books publication in 2004. Gott manages to write in a completely engaging way and draws you in to the rich and diverse history of this amazing Caribbean island. This is in no way a dry and uninspiring read, but one that helps you immerse yourself in the history and developments over the years. From Spanish colonial rule, US intervention and soviet support, Cuba has managed to retain some remnant of it's own identity and this book shows this side perfectly. The first 100 pages (looking at Spanish Colonial rule and the slave trades to Cuba) were the hardest to engage with for me, but as soon as the revolution occurred and the book focused on the Castro government and all that it entails, I became hooked to this masterly text. The author doesn't seem overly biased one way or the other, although you can tell he has respect for this tiny island nation. He doesn't seem to be too sensationalist either, for example when Che Guevara dies it is noted in quite an understated way and not overly hyped to have a greater impact. Two minor flaws with this book are the tiny font which by the end had given me serious eye strain, why academic texts insist on using this size font I'll never know. And the other flaw is a distinct lack of decent photography to add to the package. There are a few pages of grey photos in the middle, but not on good quality paper, or especially relevant to the overall text, i've come to expect better from history books these days. These are minor flaws in what is a brilliant account of Cuban history which leaves you with some indication of what the future may hold as well. If Cuba interests you in the slightest, I'd seriously recommend you take a look at this book.

A good survey, but occasionally problematic, 17 Aug 2008
Cuba's history is vast and complex, and Gott does an admirable job in trying to make sense of it all. However, particularly in the first two and a half chapters, he struggles to maintain interest, and at times it can descend into what feels like a list of battles and names, with little overall coherence. Additionally, he constantly looks forward to the future, forseeing revolution 200 years before it happened. Such a teleological approach can be frustrating, and at times does lead to some inaccurate comparisons between historical figures and Raul, Fidel and Che.

However, in the more modern chapters, Gott does a fantastic job of providing a fair-minded review of Cuba's history. His analysis of the 20th century, and particularly the survey of Cuban-American relations, is detailed and wonderfully written. He makes sense of a complex subject, and provides an account which gives a strong sense of impartiality and intellectual analysis, free from moral critique of either side. For the later chapters, Gott really gets into his stride, and the book is very much worth reading for this analysis alone. Struggle through the first couple of dry chapters and you will discover a rich, well-written history.

AN EXCELLENT SURVEY, 19 Nov 2004
This book should be read by everyone interested in Cuba, in Fidel Castro, and in a nation whose history goes back far earlier than its modern manifestation. Richard Gott has brought a lifetime of expertise to the task, and writes, as in all his books, with wit and wisdom. He has an enviable eye for fascinating, and telling detail, and he unravels history's "granny knots" with unerring skill.

Useful account of Cuba's long struggle for sovereignty, 19 Nov 2004
Richard Gott is a British journalist and historian with many years' experience of covering Latin America. He has written a very useful book on Cuba's long struggle for national independence and sovereignty. The first third of the book examines the Cuban people's struggle against Spanish occupation from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The rest of the book looks at Cuba's 20th century struggle against the US empire.

The USA intervened militarily in Cuba in 1906-09, 1912, 1917-23 and 1961, always on the pretexts of establishing democracy and order. In 1902 the US state imposed the Platt Amendment on Cuba. Its seventh paragraph gave the USA the 'right' to establish permanent military bases on Cuba. It was repealed in 1934, but the dictator Batista signed a new treaty allowing the USA to keep its huge military base at Guantanamo Bay.

Gott shows how in 1959 the people defeated the US-backed dictator by relying on their own forces. He observes that the British and Yugoslavian governments armed Batista to the last moment.

Gott possibly devotes too little attention to the Cuban people's successes in developing their country. He notes, without exploring, Cuba's remarkable achievements in health and education and he fails to mention its pioneering pharmaceutical industry.

But he gives due prominence to Cuba's internationalism, particularly to its selfless military support to the Angolan people in 1988. Nelson Mandela later visited Havana to thank Fidel personally for Cuba's assistance in the struggle against apartheid. He said, "The decisive defeat of the racist army in Cuito Cuanavale was a victory for all Africa ... It made it possible for Angola to enjoy peace and establish its own sovereignty ... and for the people of Namibia to achieve their independence. The decisive defeat of the aggressive apartheid forces destroyed the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor. The defeat of the apartheid army served as an inspiration to the struggling people of South Africa."

Cuba has a proud record of upholding workers' nationalism and of practical internationalism. Whatever foreign observers hope or fear, the Cuban people will never surrender their national independence and sovereignty.

HUMANITY AT ITS BEST!!, 19 Nov 2003
I have just finished reading this book on Che Guevara and I must say I was truly blown away by this mans passion and humanity. For me, my reason for ready about Che were pretty much the same as everybody else, seeing his picture on students T-shirts and being curious about his life and legacy. I was not disappointed at what I read. This book is a fairly easy read which is important as the author does not try to loose the reader in politics but very much explains che's thoughts and reasons for his actions with a brief discussions on the current political situation in Cuba during his time as Fidel Castro's right hand man.

Che Guevara was very much the 'Robin hood' of Cuba, fighting for the people and sacrificing all of his material goods for the larger political goals of Cuba and his dream of riding the world from political greed and corruption, and uniting us so that everyone is equal and there is no poverty or discrimination.

This book is fast and emotional which really puts things into perspective, it makes you thinks exactly who really is the enemy of the world, rich countries or third world countries, anyway this book is a truly fantastic and is a good grounding before moving on to a more complex read on che.

My closing statement is this, even today why do we watch people like Che Guevara struggle against political corruption, ignore there cries and watch them branded an enemy by higher forces, here of their deaths, then make martyrs of them and spend the rest of our time talking about how great they where and how much of a lose they will be?

Good intro to life of infamous revolutionary, 08 Jun 2002
Andrew Sinclair's biography of Ernesto 'Che' Guervara is a fantastic guide to understanding the human passion and ideas behind Guevara's political beliefs and eventually his political actions. Sinclair shows how Che was frustrated as a child, even though he came from a relatively well off family, due to suffering from asthma. This may have been one of the reaons why Che decided to study medicine. Sinclair also provides detail on Guevara's travels and journeys around South America which provided Che with first hand experience of poverty, suffering and expolitation of the workers which lead to the definition his political views. This book also gives much detail on the dramatic events of the Cuban Revolution. Overall this is a good place to start for anyone wanting to know more about the face they have seen on many a t'shirt. The knowledge provided here will give anyone with a real interest the ability to go on and read further, maybe more politicaly angled texts focusing on Che. It allows the reader to understand the human beliefs behind the revolutionary actions.

Cuba: A New History, 02 Nov 2008
'Cuba: A New History' is an excellent account of Cuban history up until this books publication in 2004. Gott manages to write in a completely engaging way and draws you in to the rich and diverse history of this amazing Caribbean island. This is in no way a dry and uninspiring read, but one that helps you immerse yourself in the history and developments over the years. From Spanish colonial rule, US intervention and soviet support, Cuba has managed to retain some remnant of it's own identity and this book shows this side perfectly. The first 100 pages (looking at Spanish Colonial rule and the slave trades to Cuba) were the hardest to engage with for me, but as soon as the revolution occurred and the book focused on the Castro government and all that it entails, I became hooked to this masterly text. The author doesn't seem overly biased one way or the other, although you can tell he has respect for this tiny island nation. He doesn't seem to be too sensationalist either, for example when Che Guevara dies it is noted in quite an understated way and not overly hyped to have a greater impact. Two minor flaws with this book are the tiny font which by the end had given me serious eye strain, why academic texts insist on using this size font I'll never know. And the other flaw is a distinct lack of decent photography to add to the package. There are a few pages of grey photos in the middle, but not on good quality paper, or especially relevant to the overall text, i've come to expect better from history books these days. These are minor flaws in what is a brilliant account of Cuban history which leaves you with some indication of what the future may hold as well. If Cuba interests you in the slightest, I'd seriously recommend you take a look at this book.

A good survey, but occasionally problematic, 17 Aug 2008
Cuba's history is vast and complex, and Gott does an admirable job in trying to make sense of it all. However, particularly in the first two and a half chapters, he struggles to maintain interest, and at times it can descend into what feels like a list of battles and names, with little overall coherence. Additionally, he constantly looks forward to the future, forseeing revolution 200 years before it happened. Such a teleological approach can be frustrating, and at times does lead to some inaccurate comparisons between historical figures and Raul, Fidel and Che.

However, in the more modern chapters, Gott does a fantastic job of providing a fair-minded review of Cuba's history. His analysis of the 20th century, and particularly the survey of Cuban-American relations, is detailed and wonderfully written. He makes sense of a complex subject, and provides an account which gives a strong sense of impartiality and intellectual analysis, free from moral critique of either side. For the later chapters, Gott really gets into his stride, and the book is very much worth reading for this analysis alone. Struggle through the first couple of dry chapters and you will discover a rich, well-written history.

AN EXCELLENT SURVEY, 19 Nov 2004
This book should be read by everyone interested in Cuba, in Fidel Castro, and in a nation whose history goes back far earlier than its modern manifestation. Richard Gott has brought a lifetime of expertise to the task, and writes, as in all his books, with wit and wisdom. He has an enviable eye for fascinating, and telling detail, and he unravels history's "granny knots" with unerring skill.

Useful account of Cuba's long struggle for sovereignty, 19 Nov 2004
Richard Gott is a British journalist and historian with many years' experience of covering Latin America. He has written a very useful book on Cuba's long struggle for national independence and sovereignty. The first third of the book examines the Cuban people's struggle against Spanish occupation from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The rest of the book looks at Cuba's 20th century struggle against the US empire.

The USA intervened militarily in Cuba in 1906-09, 1912, 1917-23 and 1961, always on the pretexts of establishing democracy and order. In 1902 the US state imposed the Platt Amendment on Cuba. Its seventh paragraph gave the USA the 'right' to establish permanent military bases on Cuba. It was repealed in 1934, but the dictator Batista signed a new treaty allowing the USA to keep its huge military base at Guantanamo Bay.

Gott shows how in 1959 the people defeated the US-backed dictator by relying on their own forces. He observes that the British and Yugoslavian governments armed Batista to the last moment.

Gott possibly devotes too little attention to the Cuban people's successes in developing their country. He notes, without exploring, Cuba's remarkable achievements in health and education and he fails to mention its pioneering pharmaceutical industry.

But he gives due prominence to Cuba's internationalism, particularly to its selfless military support to the Angolan people in 1988. Nelson Mandela later visited Havana to thank Fidel personally for Cuba's assistance in the struggle against apartheid. He said, "The decisive defeat of the racist army in Cuito Cuanavale was a victory for all Africa ... It made it possible for Angola to enjoy peace and establish its own sovereignty ... and for the people of Namibia to achieve their independence. The decisive defeat of the aggressive apartheid forces destroyed the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor. The defeat of the apartheid army served as an inspiration to the struggling people of South Africa."

Cuba has a proud record of upholding workers' nationalism and of practical internationalism. Whatever foreign observers hope or fear, the Cuban people will never surrender their national independence and sovereignty.

HUMANITY AT ITS BEST!!, 19 Nov 2003
I have just finished reading this book on Che Guevara and I must say I was truly blown away by this mans passion and humanity. For me, my reason for ready about Che were pretty much the same as everybody else, seeing his picture on students T-shirts and being curious about his life and legacy. I was not disappointed at what I read. This book is a fairly easy read which is important as the author does not try to loose the reader in politics but very much explains che's thoughts and reasons for his actions with a brief discussions on the current political situation in Cuba during his time as Fidel Castro's right hand man.

Che Guevara was very much the 'Robin hood' of Cuba, fighting for the people and sacrificing all of his material goods for the larger political goals of Cuba and his dream of riding the world from political greed and corruption, and uniting us so that everyone is equal and there is no poverty or discrimination.

This book is fast and emotional which really puts things into perspective, it makes you thinks exactly who really is the enemy of the world, rich countries or third world countries, anyway this book is a truly fantastic and is a good grounding before moving on to a more complex read on che.

My closing statement is this, even today why do we watch people like Che Guevara struggle against political corruption, ignore there cries and watch them branded an enemy by higher forces, here of their deaths, then make martyrs of them and spend the rest of our time talking about how great they where and how much of a lose they will be?

Good intro to life of infamous revolutionary, 08 Jun 2002
Andrew Sinclair's biography of Ernesto 'Che' Guervara is a fantastic guide to understanding the human passion and ideas behind Guevara's political beliefs and eventually his political actions. Sinclair shows how Che was frustrated as a child, even though he came from a relatively well off family, due to suffering from asthma. This may have been one of the reaons why Che decided to study medicine. Sinclair also provides detail on Guevara's travels and journeys around South America which provided Che with first hand experience of poverty, suffering and expolitation of the workers which lead to the definition his political views. This book also gives much detail on the dramatic events of the Cuban Revolution. Overall this is a good place to start for anyone wanting to know more about the face they have seen on many a t'shirt. The knowledge provided here will give anyone with a real interest the ability to go on and read further, maybe more politicaly angled texts focusing on Che. It allows the reader to understand the human beliefs behind the revolutionary actions.

Compelling and instructive, 28 Jul 1999
This collection of memories conveys the excitement, zeal, possibilities, problems and limitations of Guevara's "guerilla warfare" strategy as it was practiced in the Sierra Maestra. At times, one can almost hear Guevara wheezing as he traverses the rugged terrain. It is, in general, light on ideological substance and heavy on battlefield drama. A classic nonetheless...

The Revolution through Che's eyes, 16 Oct 1998
This first hand account of the Cuban Revolution through the eyes of Che give the reader the feeling and emotion that Che felt as he wrote these words. We can see and feel the emotion from his words and can see how complex he was. At times he was cruel and hard driving, at others, compassionate and unsure. Good reading for anyone interested in Che

Cuba: A New History, 02 Nov 2008
'Cuba: A New History' is an excellent account of Cuban history up until this books publication in 2004. Gott manages to write in a completely engaging way and draws you in to the rich and diverse history of this amazing Caribbean island. This is in no way a dry and uninspiring read, but one that helps you immerse yourself in the history and developments over the years. From Spanish colonial rule, US intervention and soviet support, Cuba has managed to retain some remnant of it's own identity and this book shows this side perfectly. The first 100 pages (looking at Spanish Colonial rule and the slave trades to Cuba) were the hardest to engage with for me, but as soon as the revolution occurred and the book focused on the Castro government and all that it entails, I became hooked to this masterly text. The author doesn't seem overly biased one way or the other, although you can tell he has respect for this tiny island nation. He doesn't seem to be too sensationalist either, for example when Che Guevara dies it is noted in quite an understated way and not overly hyped to have a greater impact. Two minor flaws with this book are the tiny font which by the end had given me serious eye strain, why academic texts insist on using this size font I'll never know. And the other flaw is a distinct lack of decent photography to add to the package. There are a few pages of grey photos in the middle, but not on good quality paper, or especially relevant to the overall text, i've come to expect better from history books these days. These are minor flaws in what is a brilliant account of Cuban history which leaves you with some indication of what the future may hold as well. If Cuba interests you in the slightest, I'd seriously recommend you take a look at this book.

A good survey, but occasionally problematic, 17 Aug 2008
Cuba's history is vast and complex, and Gott does an admirable job in trying to make sense of it all. However, particularly in the first two and a half chapters, he struggles to maintain interest, and at times it can descend into what feels like a list of battles and names, with little overall coherence. Additionally, he constantly looks forward to the future, forseeing revolution 200 years before it happened. Such a teleological approach can be frustrating, and at times does lead to some inaccurate comparisons between historical figures and Raul, Fidel and Che.

However, in the more modern chapters, Gott does a fantastic job of providing a fair-minded review of Cuba's history. His analysis of the 20th century, and particularly the survey of Cuban-American relations, is detailed and wonderfully written. He makes sense of a complex subject, and provides an account which gives a strong sense of impartiality and intellectual analysis, free from moral critique of either side. For the later chapters, Gott really gets into his stride, and the book is very much worth reading for this analysis alone. Struggle through the first couple of dry chapters and you will discover a rich, well-written history.

AN EXCELLENT SURVEY, 19 Nov 2004
This book should be read by everyone interested in Cuba, in Fidel Castro, and in a nation whose history goes back far earlier than its modern manifestation. Richard Gott has brought a lifetime of expertise to the task, and writes, as in all his books, with wit and wisdom. He has an enviable eye for fascinating, and telling detail, and he unravels history's "granny knots" with unerring skill.

Useful account of Cuba's long struggle for sovereignty, 19 Nov 2004
Richard Gott is a British journalist and historian with many years' experience of covering Latin America. He has written a very useful book on Cuba's long struggle for national independence and sovereignty. The first third of the book examines the Cuban people's struggle against Spanish occupation from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The rest of the book looks at Cuba's 20th century struggle against the US empire.

The USA intervened militarily in Cuba in 1906-09, 1912, 1917-23 and 1961, always on the pretexts of establishing democracy and order. In 1902 the US state imposed the Platt Amendment on Cuba. Its seventh paragraph gave the USA the 'right' to establish permanent military bases on Cuba. It was repealed in 1934, but the dictator Batista signed a new treaty allowing the USA to keep its huge military base at Guantanamo Bay.

Gott shows how in 1959 the people defeated the US-backed dictator by relying on their own forces. He observes that the British and Yugoslavian governments armed Batista to the last moment.

Gott possibly devotes too little attention to the Cuban people's successes in developing their country. He notes, without exploring, Cuba's remarkable achievements in health and education and he fails to mention its pioneering pharmaceutical industry.

But he gives due prominence to Cuba's internationalism, particularly to its selfless military support to the Angolan people in 1988. Nelson Mandela later visited Havana to thank Fidel personally for Cuba's assistance in the struggle against apartheid. He said, "The decisive defeat of the racist army in Cuito Cuanavale was a victory for all Africa ... It made it possible for Angola to enjoy peace and establish its own sovereignty ... and for the people of Namibia to achieve their independence. The decisive defeat of the aggressive apartheid forces destroyed the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor. The defeat of the apartheid army served as an inspiration to the struggling people of South Africa."

Cuba has a proud record of upholding workers' nationalism and of practical internationalism. Whatever foreign observers hope or fear, the Cuban people will never surrender their national independence and sovereignty.

HUMANITY AT ITS BEST!!, 19 Nov 2003
I have just finished reading this book on Che Guevara and I must say I was truly blown away by this mans passion and humanity. For me, my reason for ready about Che were pretty much the same as everybody else, seeing his picture on students T-shirts and being curious about his life and legacy. I was not disappointed at what I read. This book is a fairly easy read which is important as the author does not try to loose the reader in politics but very much explains che's thoughts and reasons for his actions with a brief discussions on the current political situation in Cuba during his time as Fidel Castro's right hand man.

Che Guevara was very much the 'Robin hood' of Cuba, fighting for the people and sacrificing all of his material goods for the larger political goals of Cuba and his dream of riding the world from political greed and corruption, and uniting us so that everyone is equal and there is no poverty or discrimination.

This book is fast and emotional which really puts things into perspective, it makes you thinks exactly who really is the enemy of the world, rich countries or third world countries, anyway this book is a truly fantastic and is a good grounding before moving on to a more complex read on che.

My closing statement is this, even today why do we watch people like Che Guevara struggle against political corruption, ignore there cries and watch them branded an enemy by higher forces, here of their deaths, then make martyrs of them and spend the rest of our time talking about how great they where and how much of a lose they will be?

Good intro to life of infamous revolutionary, 08 Jun 2002
Andrew Sinclair's biography of Ernesto 'Che' Guervara is a fantastic guide to understanding the human passion and ideas behind Guevara's political beliefs and eventually his political actions. Sinclair shows how Che was frustrated as a child, even though he came from a relatively well off family, due to suffering from asthma. This may have been one of the reaons why Che decided to study medicine. Sinclair also provides detail on Guevara's travels and journeys around South America which provided Che with first hand experience of poverty, suffering and expolitation of the workers which lead to the definition his political views. This book also gives much detail on the dramatic events of the Cuban Revolution. Overall this is a good place to start for anyone wanting to know more about the face they have seen on many a t'shirt. The knowledge provided here will give anyone with a real interest the ability to go on and read further, maybe more politicaly angled texts focusing on Che. It allows the reader to understand the human beliefs behind the revolutionary actions.

Compelling and instructive, 28 Jul 1999
This collection of memories conveys the excitement, zeal, possibilities, problems and limitations of Guevara's "guerilla warfare" strategy as it was practiced in the Sierra Maestra. At times, one can almost hear Guevara wheezing as he traverses the rugged terrain. It is, in general, light on ideological substance and heavy on battlefield drama. A classic nonetheless...

The Revolution through Che's eyes, 16 Oct 1998
This first hand account of the Cuban Revolution through the eyes of Che give the reader the feeling and emotion that Che felt as he wrote these words. We can see and feel the emotion from his words and can see how complex he was. At times he was cruel and hard driving, at others, compassionate and unsure. Good reading for anyone interested in Che

Like smoking a great Havana cigar, 10 Jan 2008
You don't have to have an interest in the subject to find this book compelling, as a history of organized crime, a history of Cuba, and an interesting slant on the Cuban Revolution. Meyer Lansky led a mobster infiltration of Havana in the 1950's, with mucho casinos, nightclubs, resort hotels, drugs, prostitution and much more, all of it done with the complicity of the President Fulgencio Batista. The book covers a lot of ground and is very entertaining while being informative at the same time. Written in a literary and also popular style. Anyone who has seen Godfather Part II (and who hasn't?) will be fascinated by the background that is provided here, giving that movie added weight.The book also shows how the exploitation by the mobsters led in part to the Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Fascinating stuff, with lots of good photos as well. Light up a stogie, make yourself a cuba libre and start reading...

Cuba: A New History, 02 Nov 2008
'Cuba: A New History' is an excellent account of Cuban history up until this books publication in 2004. Gott manages to write in a completely engaging way and draws you in to the rich and diverse history of this amazing Caribbean island. This is in no way a dry and uninspiring read, but one that helps you immerse yourself in the history and developments over the years. From Spanish colonial rule, US intervention and soviet support, Cuba has managed to retain some remnant of it's own identity and this book shows this side perfectly. The first 100 pages (looking at Spanish Colonial rule and the slave trades to Cuba) were the hardest to engage with for me, but as soon as the revolution occurred and the book focused on the Castro government and all that it entails, I became hooked to this masterly text. The author doesn't seem overly biased one way or the other, although you can tell he has respect for this tiny island nation. He doesn't seem to be too sensationalist either, for example when Che Guevara dies it is noted in quite an understated way and not overly hyped to have a greater impact. Two minor flaws with this book are the tiny font which by the end had given me serious eye strain, why academic texts insist on using this size font I'll never know. And the other flaw is a distinct lack of decent photography to add to the package. There are a few pages of grey photos in the middle, but not on good quality paper, or especially relevant to the overall text, i've come to expect better from history books these days. These are minor flaws in what is a brilliant account of Cuban history which leaves you with some indication of what the future may hold as well. If Cuba interests you in the slightest, I'd seriously recommend you take a look at this book.

A good survey, but occasionally problematic, 17 Aug 2008
Cuba's history is vast and complex, and Gott does an admirable job in trying to make sense of it all. However, particularly in the first two and a half chapters, he struggles to maintain interest, and at times it can descend into what feels like a list of battles and names, with little overall coherence. Additionally, he constantly looks forward to the future, forseeing revolution 200 years before it happened. Such a teleological approach can be frustrating, and at times does lead to some inaccurate comparisons between historical figures and Raul, Fidel and Che.

However, in the more modern chapters, Gott does a fantastic job of providing a fair-minded review of Cuba's history. His analysis of the 20th century, and particularly the survey of Cuban-American relations, is detailed and wonderfully written. He makes sense of a complex subject, and provides an account which gives a strong sense of impartiality and intellectual analysis, free from moral critique of either side. For the later chapters, Gott really gets into his stride, and the book is very much worth reading for this analysis alone. Struggle through the first couple of dry chapters and you will discover a rich, well-written history.

AN EXCELLENT SURVEY, 19 Nov 2004
This book should be read by everyone interested in Cuba, in Fidel Castro, and in a nation whose history goes back far earlier than its modern manifestation. Richard Gott has brought a lifetime of expertise to the task, and writes, as in all his books, with wit and wisdom. He has an enviable eye for fascinating, and telling detail, and he unravels history's "granny knots" with unerring skill.

Useful account of Cuba's long struggle for sovereignty, 19 Nov 2004
Richard Gott is a British journalist and historian with many years' experience of covering Latin America. He has written a very useful book on Cuba's long struggle for national independence and sovereignty. The first third of the book examines the Cuban people's struggle against Spanish occupation from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The rest of the book looks at Cuba's 20th century struggle against the US empire.

The USA intervened militarily in Cuba in 1906-09, 1912, 1917-23 and 1961, always on the pretexts of establishing democracy and order. In 1902 the US state imposed the Platt Amendment on Cuba. Its seventh paragraph gave the USA the 'right' to establish permanent military bases on Cuba. It was repealed in 1934, but the dictator Batista signed a new treaty allowing the USA to keep its huge military base at Guantanamo Bay.

Gott shows how in 1959 the people defeated the US-backed dictator by relying on their own forces. He observes that the British and Yugoslavian governments armed Batista to the last moment.

Gott possibly devotes too little attention to the Cuban people's successes in developing their country. He notes, without exploring, Cuba's remarkable achievements in health and education and he fails to mention its pioneering pharmaceutical industry.

But he gives due prominence to Cuba's internationalism, particularly to its selfless military support to the Angolan people in 1988. Nelson Mandela later visited Havana to thank Fidel personally for Cuba's assistance in the struggle against apartheid. He said, "The decisive defeat of the racist army in Cuito Cuanavale was a victory for all Africa ... It made it possible for Angola to enjoy peace and establish its own sovereignty ... and for the people of Namibia to achieve their independence. The decisive defeat of the aggressive apartheid forces destroyed the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor. The defeat of the apartheid army served as an inspiration to the struggling people of South Africa."

Cuba has a proud record of upholding workers' nationalism and of practical internationalism. Whatever foreign observers hope or fear, the Cuban people will never surrender their national independence and sovereignty.

HUMANITY AT ITS BEST!!, 19 Nov 2003
I have just finished reading this book on Che Guevara and I must say I was truly blown away by this mans passion and humanity. For me, my reason for ready about Che were pretty much the same as everybody else, seeing his picture on students T-shirts and being curious about his life and legacy. I was not disappointed at what I read. This book is a fairly easy read which is important as the author does not try to loose the reader in politics but very much explains che's thoughts and reasons for his actions with a brief discussions on the current political situation in Cuba during his time as Fidel Castro's right hand man.

Che Guevara was very much the 'Robin hood' of Cuba, fighting for the people and sacrificing all of his material goods for the larger political goals of Cuba and his dream of riding the world from political greed and corruption, and uniting us so that everyone is equal and there is no poverty or discrimination.

This book is fast and emotional which really puts things into perspective, it makes you thinks exactly who really is the enemy of the world, rich countries or third world countries, anyway this book is a truly fantastic and is a good grounding before moving on to a more complex read on che.

My closing statement is this, even today why do we watch people like Che Guevara struggle against political corruption, ignore there cries and watch them branded an enemy by higher forces, here of their deaths, then make martyrs of them and spend the rest of our time talking about how great they where and how much of a lose they will be?

Good intro to life of infamous revolutionary, 08 Jun 2002
Andrew Sinclair's biography of Ernesto 'Che' Guervara is a fantastic guide to understanding the human passion and ideas behind Guevara's political beliefs and eventually his political actions. Sinclair shows how Che was frustrated as a child, even though he came from a relatively well off family, due to suffering from asthma. This may have been one of the reaons why Che decided to study medicine. Sinclair also provides detail on Guevara's travels and journeys around South America which provided Che with first hand experience of poverty, suffering and expolitation of the workers which lead to the definition his political views. This book also gives much detail on the dramatic events of the Cuban Revolution. Overall this is a good place to start for anyone wanting to know more about the face they have seen on many a t'shirt. The knowledge provided here will give anyone with a real interest the ability to go on and read further, maybe more politicaly angled texts focusing on Che. It allows the reader to understand the human beliefs behind the revolutionary actions.

Compelling and instructive, 28 Jul 1999
This collection of memories conveys the excitement, zeal, possibilities, problems and limitations of Guevara's "guerilla warfare" strategy as it was practiced in the Sierra Maestra. At times, one can almost hear Guevara wheezing as he traverses the rugged terrain. It is, in general, light on ideological substance and heavy on battlefield drama. A classic nonetheless...

The Revolution through Che's eyes, 16 Oct 1998
This first hand account of the Cuban Revolution through the eyes of Che give the reader the feeling and emotion that Che felt as he wrote these words. We can see and feel the emotion from his words and can see how complex he was. At times he was cruel and hard driving, at others, compassionate and unsure. Good reading for anyone interested in Che

Like smoking a great Havana cigar, 10 Jan 2008
You don't have to have an interest in the subject to find this book compelling, as a history of organized crime, a history of Cuba, and an interesting slant on the Cuban Revolution. Meyer Lansky led a mobster infiltration of Havana in the 1950's, with mucho casinos, nightclubs, resort hotels, drugs, prostitution and much more, all of it done with the complicity of the President Fulgencio Batista. The book covers a lot of ground and is very entertaining while being informative at the same time. Written in a literary and also popular style. Anyone who has seen Godfather Part II (and who hasn't?) will be fascinated by the background that is provided here, giving that movie added weight.The book also shows how the exploitation by the mobsters led in part to the Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Fascinating stuff, with lots of good photos as well. Light up a stogie, make yourself a cuba libre and start reading...

Fantastic book, and a fantastic introduction to both Castro and the Cuban Revolution., 10 Aug 2008
An informative and interesting publication. I really could not put it down.

I highly recomened it.

Fidel - now in retirement, but not forgotten, 29 Feb 2008
George Galloway's book is a concise illustrated biography of Fidel Castro, Cuba's leader from January 1959 until February 2008. For a short review of Castro's life and achievements, the book is unsurpassed, and well worth purchasing. Do not believe everything unfavourable you read about Castro: read this book, then visit Cuba for yourself and see what a completely unique country it is.

Indefatigable, 01 Apr 2007
Who better to write this book on Castro then George Galloway? He has had amazing access to Fidel that other biographers could never dream of having, including a night when they went skinnydipping together. Other than Castro himself, this is as good as it gets. Galloway's huge vocabulary and wit add to a moving tribute of the greatest leader of the 21st century.

alternative history, 29 Nov 2006
When i bought this book i had no opinion of Fidel Castro at all, but since reading i have had the pleasure of finding out more about the leader good and bad. It is such a refreshing change to see things from a non-western perspective and i found this book very informative and interesting. It is amazing how western media see everone else in this world in a black and white view and if the leader or activist in question isn't white skinned clean shaven suited up stereotype then tags of "Oppressor", "Dictator", "Terrorist" and "Corrupt" are repeatedly used. This book offers a distinctivley alternative look at one of the most important leaders in the world and is a must read for all of us who have swallowed the capitalist materialist drug whole.

Cuba: A New History, 02 Nov 2008
'Cuba: A New History' is an excellent account of Cuban history up until this books publication in 2004. Gott manages to write in a completely engaging way and draws you in to the rich and diverse history of this amazing Caribbean island. This is in no way a dry and uninspiring read, but one that helps you immerse yourself in the history and developments over the years. From Spanish colonial rule, US intervention and soviet support, Cuba has managed to retain some remnant of it's own identity and this book shows this side perfectly. The first 100 pages (looking at Spanish Colonial rule and the slave trades to Cuba) were the hardest to engage with for me, but as soon as the revolution occurred and the book focused on the Castro government and all that it entails, I became hooked to this masterly text. The author doesn't seem overly biased one way or the other, although you can tell he has respect for this tiny island nation. He doesn't seem to be too sensationalist either, for example when Che Guevara dies it is noted in quite an understated way and not overly hyped to have a greater impact. Two minor flaws with this book are the tiny font which by the end had given me serious eye strain, why academic texts insist on using this size font I'll never know. And the other flaw is a distinct lack of decent photography to add to the package. There are a few pages of grey photos in the middle, but not on good quality paper, or especially relevant to the overall text, i've come to expect better from history books these days. These are minor flaws in what is a brilliant account of Cuban history which leaves you with some indication of what the future may hold as well. If Cuba interests you in the slightest, I'd seriously recommend you take a look at this book.

A good survey, but occasionally problematic, 17 Aug 2008
Cuba's history is vast and complex, and Gott does an admirable job in trying to make sense of it all. However, particularly in the first two and a half chapters, he struggles to maintain interest, and at times it can descend into what feels like a list of battles and names, with little overall coherence. Additionally, he constantly looks forward to the future, forseeing revolution 200 years before it happened. Such a teleological approach can be frustrating, and at times does lead to some inaccurate comparisons between historical figures and Raul, Fidel and Che.

However, in the more modern chapters, Gott does a fantastic job of providing a fair-minded review of Cuba's history. His analysis of the 20th century, and particularly the survey of Cuban-American relations, is detailed and wonderfully written. He makes sense of a complex subject, and provides an account which gives a strong sense of impartiality and intellectual analysis, free from moral critique of either side. For the later chapters, Gott really gets into his stride, and the book is very much worth reading for this analysis alone. Struggle through the first couple of dry chapters and you will discover a rich, well-written history.

AN EXCELLENT SURVEY, 19 Nov 2004
This book should be read by everyone interested in Cuba, in Fidel Castro, and in a nation whose history goes back far earlier than its modern manifestation. Richard Gott has brought a lifetime of expertise to the task, and writes, as in all his books, with wit and wisdom. He has an enviable eye for fascinating, and telling detail, and he unravels history's "granny knots" with unerring skill.

Useful account of Cuba's long struggle for sovereignty, 19 Nov 2004
Richard Gott is a British journalist and historian with many years' experience of covering Latin America. He has written a very useful book on Cuba's long struggle for national independence and sovereignty. The first third of the book examines the Cuban people's struggle against Spanish occupation from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The rest of the book looks at Cuba's 20th century struggle against the US empire.

The USA intervened militarily in Cuba in 1906-09, 1912, 1917-23 and 1961, always on the pretexts of establishing democracy and order. In 1902 the US state imposed the Platt Amendment on Cuba. Its seventh paragraph gave the USA the 'right' to establish permanent military bases on Cuba. It was repealed in 1934, but the dictator Batista signed a new treaty allowing the USA to keep its huge military base at Guantanamo Bay.

Gott shows how in 1959 the people defeated the US-backed dictator by relying on their own forces. He observes that the British and Yugoslavian governments armed Batista to the last moment.

Gott possibly devotes too little attention to the Cuban people's successes in developing their country. He notes, without exploring, Cuba's remarkable achievements in health and education and he fails to mention its pioneering pharmaceutical industry.

But he gives due prominence to Cuba's internationalism, particularly to its selfless military support to the Angolan people in 1988. Nelson Mandela later visited Havana to thank Fidel personally for Cuba's assistance in the struggle against apartheid. He said, "The decisive defeat of the racist army in Cuito Cuanavale was a victory for all Africa ... It made it possible for Angola to enjoy peace and establish its own sovereignty ... and for the people of Namibia to achieve their independence. The decisive defeat of the aggressive apartheid forces destroyed the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor. The defeat of the apartheid army served as an inspiration to the struggling people of South Africa."

Cuba has a proud record of upholding workers' nationalism and of practical internationalism. Whatever foreign observers hope or fear, the Cuban people will never surrender their national independence and sovereignty.

HUMANITY AT ITS BEST!!, 19 Nov 2003
I have just finished reading this book on Che Guevara and I must say I was truly blown away by this mans passion and humanity. For me, my reason for ready about Che were pretty much the same as everybody else, seeing his picture on students T-shirts and being curious about his life and legacy. I was not disappointed at what I read. This book is a fairly easy read which is important as the author does not try to loose the reader in politics but very much explains che's thoughts and reasons for his actions with a brief discussions on the current political situation in Cuba during his time as Fidel Castro's right hand man.

Che Guevara was very much the 'Robin hood' of Cuba, fighting for the people and sacrificing all of his material goods for the larger political goals of Cuba and his dream of riding the world from political greed and corruption, and uniting us so that everyone is equal and there is no poverty or discrimination.

This book is fast and emotional which really puts things into perspective, it makes you thinks exactly who really is the enemy of the world, rich countries or third world countries, anyway this book is a truly fantastic and is a good grounding before moving on to a more complex read on che.

My closing statement is this, even today why do we watch people like Che Guevara struggle against political corruption, ignore there cries and watch them branded an enemy by higher forces, here of their deaths, then make martyrs of them and spend the rest of our time talking about how great they where and how much of a lose they will be?

Good intro to life of infamous revolutionary, 08 Jun 2002
Andrew Sinclair's biography of Ernesto 'Che' Guervara is a fantastic guide to understanding the human passion and ideas behind Guevara's political beliefs and eventually his political actions. Sinclair shows how Che was frustrated as a child, even though he came from a relatively well off family, due to suffering from asthma. This may have been one of the reaons why Che decided to study medicine. Sinclair also provides detail on Guevara's travels and journeys around South America which provided Che with first hand experience of poverty, suffering and expolitation of the workers which lead to the definition his political views. This book also gives much detail on the dramatic events of the Cuban Revolution. Overall this is a good place to start for anyone wanting to know more about the face they have seen on many a t'shirt. The knowledge provided here will give anyone with a real interest the ability to go on and read further, maybe more politicaly angled texts focusing on Che. It allows the reader to understand the human beliefs behind the revolutionary actions.

Compelling and instructive, 28 Jul 1999
This collection of memories conveys the excitement, zeal, possibilities, problems and limitations of Guevara's "guerilla warfare" strategy as it was practiced in the Sierra Maestra. At times, one can almost hear Guevara wheezing as he traverses the rugged terrain. It is, in general, light on ideological substance and heavy on battlefield drama. A classic nonetheless...

The Revolution through Che's eyes, 16 Oct 1998
This first hand account of the Cuban Revolution through the eyes of Che give the reader the feeling and emotion that Che felt as he wrote these words. We can see and feel the emotion from his words and can see how complex he was. At times he was cruel and hard driving, at others, compassionate and unsure. Good reading for anyone interested in Che

Like smoking a great Havana cigar, 10 Jan 2008
You don't have to have an interest in the subject to find this book compelling, as a history of organized crime, a history of Cuba, and an interesting slant on the Cuban Revolution. Meyer Lansky led a mobster infiltration of Havana in the 1950's, with mucho casinos, nightclubs, resort hotels, drugs, prostitution and much more, all of it done with the complicity of the President Fulgencio Batista. The book covers a lot of ground and is very entertaining while being informative at the same time. Written in a literary and also popular style. Anyone who has seen Godfather Part II (and who hasn't?) will be fascinated by the background that is provided here, giving that movie added weight.The book also shows how the exploitation by the mobsters led in part to the Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Fascinating stuff, with lots of good photos as well. Light up a stogie, make yourself a cuba libre and start reading...

Fantastic book, and a fantastic introduction to both Castro and the Cuban Revolution., 10 Aug 2008
An informative and interesting publication. I really could not put it down.

I highly recomened it.

Fidel - now in retirement, but not forgotten, 29 Feb 2008
George Galloway's book is a concise illustrated biography of Fidel Castro, Cuba's leader from January 1959 until February 2008. For a short review of Castro's life and achievements, the book is unsurpassed, and well worth purchasing. Do not believe everything unfavourable you read about Castro: read this book, then visit Cuba for yourself and see what a completely unique country it is.

Indefatigable, 01 Apr 2007
Who better to write this book on Castro then George Galloway? He has had amazing access to Fidel that other biographers could never dream of having, including a night when they went skinnydipping together. Other than Castro himself, this is as good as it gets. Galloway's huge vocabulary and wit add to a moving tribute of the greatest leader of the 21st century.

alternative history, 29 Nov 2006
When i bought this book i had no opinion of Fidel Castro at all, but since reading i have had the pleasure of finding out more about the leader good and bad. It is such a refreshing change to see things from a non-western perspective and i found this book very informative and interesting. It is amazing how western media see everone else in this world in a black and white view and if the leader or activist in question isn't white skinned clean shaven suited up stereotype then tags of "Oppressor", "Dictator", "Terrorist" and "Corrupt" are repeatedly used. This book offers a distinctivley alternative look at one of the most important leaders in the world and is a must read for all of us who have swallowed the capitalist materialist drug whole.

Stunning., 22 Jul 2008
A perfect book - lovingly composed, beautifully presented, replete with photographs and excerpts from Che Guevara's own writings. A treasure which will delight those who already know the man, and enlight those who don't.

Che Guevara, 22 Mar 2005
This is a moving insight into the life and journeys of Ernesto Guevara, as revolutionary but also father and husband. Features personal reportage and photography covering his life from the early days travelling as a student through South America and experiencing the poverty and hardship of everyday life to the making of the latter day revolutionary. Offers a fascinating insight into the life of a man whose image is so well known.

Cuba: A New History, 02 Nov 2008
'Cuba: A New History' is an excellent account of Cuban history up until this books publication in 2004. Gott manages to write in a completely engaging way and draws you in to the rich and diverse history of this amazing Caribbean island. This is in no way a dry and uninspiring read, but one that helps you immerse yourself in the history and developments over the years. From Spanish colonial rule, US intervention and soviet support, Cuba has managed to retain some remnant of it's own identity and this book shows this side perfectly. The first 100 pages (looking at Spanish Colonial rule and the slave trades to Cuba) were the hardest to engage with for me, but as soon as the revolution occurred and the book focused on the Castro government and all that it entails, I became hooked to this masterly text. The author doesn't seem overly biased one way or the other, although you can tell he has respect for this tiny island nation. He doesn't seem to be too sensationalist either, for example when Che Guevara dies it is noted in quite an understated way and not overly hyped to have a greater impact. Two minor flaws with this book are the tiny font which by the end had given me serious eye strain, why academic texts insist on using this size font I'll never know. And the other flaw is a distinct lack of decent photography to add to the package. There are a few pages of grey photos in the middle, but not on good quality paper, or especially relevant to the overall text, i've come to expect better from history books these days. These are minor flaws in what is a brilliant account of Cuban history which leaves you with some indication of what the future may hold as well. If Cuba interests you in the slightest, I'd seriously recommend you take a look at this book.

A good survey, but occasionally problematic, 17 Aug 2008
Cuba's history is vast and complex, and Gott does an admirable job in trying to make sense of it all. However, particularly in the first two and a half chapters, he struggles to maintain interest, and at times it can descend into what feels like a list of battles and names, with little overall coherence. Additionally, he constantly looks forward to the future, forseeing revolution 200 years before it happened. Such a teleological approach can be frustrating, and at times does lead to some inaccurate comparisons between historical figures and Raul, Fidel and Che.

However, in the more modern chapters, Gott does a fantastic job of providing a fair-minded review of Cuba's history. His analysis of the 20th century, and particularly the survey of Cuban-American relations, is detailed and wonderfully written. He makes sense of a complex subject, and provides an account which gives a strong sense of impartiality and intellectual analysis, free from moral critique of either side. For the later chapters, Gott really gets into his stride, and the book is very much worth reading for this analysis alone. Struggle through the first couple of dry chapters and you will discover a rich, well-written history.

AN EXCELLENT SURVEY, 19 Nov 2004
This book should be read by everyone interested in Cuba, in Fidel Castro, and in a nation whose history goes back far earlier than its modern manifestation. Richard Gott has brought a lifetime of expertise to the task, and writes, as in all his books, with wit and wisdom. He has an enviable eye for fascinating, and telling detail, and he unravels history's "granny knots" with unerring skill.

Useful account of Cuba's long struggle for sovereignty, 19 Nov 2004
Richard Gott is a British journalist and historian with many years' experience of covering Latin America. He has written a very useful book on Cuba's long struggle for national independence and sovereignty. The first third of the book examines the Cuban people's struggle against Spanish occupation from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The rest of the book looks at Cuba's 20th century struggle against the US empire.

The USA intervened militarily in Cuba in 1906-09, 1912, 1917-23 and 1961, always on the pretexts of establishing democracy and order. In 1902 the US state imposed the Platt Amendment on Cuba. Its seventh paragraph gave the USA the 'right' to establish permanent military bases on Cuba. It was repealed in 1934, but the dictator Batista signed a new treaty allowing the USA to keep its huge military base at Guantanamo Bay.

Gott shows how in 1959 the people defeated the US-backed dictator by relying on their own forces. He observes that the British and Yugoslavian governments armed Batista to the last moment.

Gott possibly devotes too little attention to the Cuban people's successes in developing their country. He notes, without exploring, Cuba's remarkable achievements in health and education and he fails to mention its pioneering pharmaceutical industry.

But he gives due prominence to Cuba's internationalism, particularly to its selfless military support to the Angolan people in 1988. Nelson Mandela later visited Havana to thank Fidel personally for Cuba's assistance in the struggle against apartheid. He said, "The decisive defeat of the racist army in Cuito Cuanavale was a victory for all Africa ... It made it possible for Angola to enjoy peace and establish its own sovereignty ... and for the people of Namibia to achieve their independence. The decisive defeat of the aggressive apartheid forces destroyed the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor. The defeat of the apartheid army served as an inspiration to the struggling people of South Africa."

Cuba has a proud record of upholding workers' nationalism and of practical internationalism. Whatever foreign observers hope or fear, the Cuban people will never surrender their national independence and sovereignty.

HUMANITY AT ITS BEST!!, 19 Nov 2003
I have just finished reading this book on Che Guevara and I must say I was truly blown away by this mans passion and humanity. For me, my reason for ready about Che were pretty much the same as everybody else, seeing his picture on students T-shirts and being curious about his life and legacy. I was not disappointed at what I read. This book is a fairly easy read which is important as the author does not try to loose the reader in politics but very much explains che's thoughts and reasons for his actions with a brief discussions on the current political situation in Cuba during his time as Fidel Castro's right hand man.

Che Guevara was very much the 'Robin hood' of Cuba, fighting for the people and sacrificing all of his material goods for the larger political goals of Cuba and his dream of riding the world from political greed and corruption, and uniting us so that everyone is equal and there is no poverty or discrimination.

This book is fast and emotional which really puts things into perspective, it makes you thinks exactly who really is the enemy of the world, rich countries or third world countries, anyway this book is a truly fantastic and is a good grounding before moving on to a more complex read on che.

My closing statement is this, even today why do we watch people like Che Guevara struggle against political corruption, ignore there cries and watch them branded an enemy by higher forces, here of their deaths, then make martyrs of them and spend the rest of our time talking about how great they where and how much of a lose they will be?

Good intro to life of infamous revolutionary, 08 Jun 2002
Andrew Sinclair's biography of Ernesto 'Che' Guervara is a fantastic guide to understanding the human passion and ideas behind Guevara's political beliefs and eventually his political actions. Sinclair shows how Che was frustrated as a child, even though he came from a relatively well off family, due to suffering from asthma. This may have been one of the reaons why Che decided to study medicine. Sinclair also provides detail on Guevara's travels and journeys around South America which provided Che with first hand experience of poverty, suffering and expolitation of the workers which lead to the definition his political views. This book also gives much detail on the dramatic events of the Cuban Revolution. Overall this is a good place to start for anyone wanting to know more about the face they have seen on many a t'shirt. The knowledge provided here will give anyone with a real interest the ability to go on and read further, maybe more politicaly angled texts focusing on Che. It allows the reader to understand the human beliefs behind the revolutionary actions.

Compelling and instructive, 28 Jul 1999
This collection of memories conveys the excitement, zeal, possibilities, problems and limitations of Guevara's "guerilla warfare" strategy as it was practiced in the Sierra Maestra. At times, one can almost hear Guevara wheezing as he traverses the rugged terrain. It is, in general, light on ideological substance and heavy on battlefield drama. A classic nonetheless...

The Revolution through Che's eyes, 16 Oct 1998
This first hand account of the Cuban Revolution through the eyes of Che give the reader the feeling and emotion that Che felt as he wrote these words. We can see and feel the emotion from his words and can see how complex he was. At times he was cruel and hard driving, at others, compassionate and unsure. Good reading for anyone interested in Che

Like smoking a great Havana cigar, 10 Jan 2008
You don't have to have an interest in the subject to find this book compelling, as a history of organized crime, a history of Cuba, and an interesting slant on the Cuban Revolution. Meyer Lansky led a mobster infiltration of Havana in the 1950's, with mucho casinos, nightclubs, resort hotels, drugs, prostitution and much more, all of it done with the complicity of the President Fulgencio Batista. The book covers a lot of ground and is very entertaining while being informative at the same time. Written in a literary and also popular style. Anyone who has seen Godfather Part II (and who hasn't?) will be fascinated by the background that is provided here, giving that movie added weight.The book also shows how the exploitation by the mobsters led in part to the Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Fascinating stuff, with lots of good photos as well. Light up a stogie, make yourself a cuba libre and start reading...

Fantastic book, and a fantastic introduction to both Castro and the Cuban Revolution., 10 Aug 2008
An informative and interesting publication. I really could not put it down.

I highly recomened it.

Fidel - now in retirement, but not forgotten, 29 Feb 2008
George Galloway's book is a concise illustrated biography of Fidel Castro, Cuba's leader from January 1959 until February 2008. For a short review of Castro's life and achievements, the book is unsurpassed, and well worth purchasing. Do not believe everything unfavourable you read about Castro: read this book, then visit Cuba for yourself and see what a completely unique country it is.

Indefatigable, 01 Apr 2007
Who better to write this book on Castro then George Galloway? He has had amazing access to Fidel that other biographers could never dream of having, including a night when they went skinnydipping together. Other than Castro himself, this is as good as it gets. Galloway's huge vocabulary and wit add to a moving tribute of the greatest leader of the 21st century.

alternative history, 29 Nov 2006
When i bought this book i had no opinion of Fidel Castro at all, but since reading i have had the pleasure of finding out more about the leader good and bad. It is such a refreshing change to see things from a non-western perspective and i found this book very informative and interesting. It is amazing how western media see everone else in this world in a black and white view and if the leader or activist in question isn't white skinned clean shaven suited up stereotype then tags of "Oppressor", "Dictator", "Terrorist" and "Corrupt" are repeatedly used. This book offers a distinctivley alternative look at one of the most important leaders in the world and is a must read for all of us who have swallowed the capitalist materialist drug whole.

Stunning., 22 Jul 2008
A perfect book - lovingly composed, beautifully presented, replete with photographs and excerpts from Che Guevara's own writings. A treasure which will delight those who already know the man, and enlight those who don't.

Che Guevara, 22 Mar 2005
This is a moving insight into the life and journeys of Ernesto Guevara, as revolutionary but also father and husband. Features personal reportage and photography covering his life from the early days travelling as a student through South America and experiencing the poverty and hardship of everyday life to the making of the latter day revolutionary. Offers a fascinating insight into the life of a man whose image is so well known.

A Sensational Book With A Ground-Breaking & Detailed Discography, 26 May 2008
I've contributed large numbers of entries to the UK's 1400-page "Record Collector Price Guide 2008" - and to many of it's previous issues - and have worked in the rare record mail-order business for 'too' many years. Why do I say all this - because I can tell you that it's REGGAE MUSIC - and especially information about it 7" singles - that is so scarce, hard-to-find and problematic. Details are always sketchy. Sure, most of the Island Records and later Virgin Label Reggae stuff is now listed and documented, but you go off-the-beaten track a little bit and it's a whole different ballgame. Usually produced on a shoestring, pressed up as one-off pressings, then sold off vans to shops in the city that specialized in that music...98% of it never charted in the regular pop charts and is therefore something of a mystery. I've found that 'hard' info about reggae (LPs or 7"s) is in the mitts of a handful of dedicated collectors and dedicated shop sources (like the now sadly defunct and brilliant "Daddy Kool" in Berwick Street in London) and the general public never gets a shoe in on what's what. Which is why this book is such an absolute sensation.

After the main story of Trojan Records itself (which is a fantastic read), Pages 119 to 156 give you all the supplementary stuff - Lists of R&B, Motown and Pop Covers the label did, Musicland & Muzic City shops stocking Trojan from their incorporation in 1963 to their closure in 1976, pages of detailed Suggested Listening, then Suggested Reading, the Sources used to compile it all, Profiles of all labels under the Trojan umbrella, and then - wait for it - a discography that stretches from page 157 to 305! The detail and accuracy is astonishing and in many cases - first time info into the public domain.

It should also be noted that while the TROJAN name and label is well known, its subsidiary labels are not. The discography includes both singles & LPs of the following labels for the first time:
Amalgamated, Attack, Big, Big Shot, Black Swan, Blue Cat, Bread, Clandisc, Doctor Bird, Down Town, Duke, Duke Reid, Dynamic, Explosion, Gayfeet, GC, GPW, Grape, Green Door, Harry J, High Note, Horse, Hot Rod, Jackpot, J-Dan, Joe, JJ, Jump-Up, Moodisc, Pressure Beat, Pyramid, Q, Randy's, Smash, Song Bird, Spinning Wheel, Summit, Techniques, Treasure Isle, Trojan and Upsetter. Wow!

As if this isn't good enough, there's a superlative 12-track CD attached to the inside of the front sleeve with both rare and well known Trojan titles - its track list is:
1. Everything Crash by THE ETHIOPIANS, 1968 UK 7" single on JJ Records DB 1169
2. Pressure Drop by THE MAYTALS, 1969 UK 7" single on Trojan Records TR 7709
3. Poor Rameses by THE PIONEERS, 1969 UK 7" single on Trojan Records TR 698
4. Mr. Midnight (Skookiaan) by CLANCY ECCLES and THE DYNAMITES, 1969 UK 7" single on Clandisc CLAN 200
5. Shocks Of Mighty by Dave Barker & THE UPSETTERS, 1970 UK 7" single on Upsetter US 331
6. Skinhead Revolt by JOE THE BOSS, 1970 UK 7" single on Joe Records JRS 9
7. Shanghai by FREDDIE NOTE and THE RUDIES, 1970 UK 7" single on Trojan Records TR 7713
8. You Don't Know by BOB ANDY, 1973 UK 7" single on Green Door Records GD 4060 (Recorded in 1970, released in 1973)
9. Melody Maker by KEITH HUDSON, 1972 UK 7" single on Summit Records SUM 8541
10. (That's The Way) Nature Planned It by KEN BOOTHE, 1974 UK 7" single on Trojan Records TR 7910 (a cover version of The Four Tops hit)
11. Red, Gold & Green by I-ROY, 1973 UK 7" single on Trojan Records TRLS 63
12. Nice & Easy by SUSAN CADOGAN, 1974 UK 7" single on Trojan Records TR 9028 (a Lee Perry production)

Another really cool touch is that the singles discographies provide both the A&B side info, the Producer on almost each entry because that often determines the collectability of a single in the world of Reggae collecting - with each label presented in rising numerical order (those catalogue numbers that are unreleased, not known about or not yet found - are given a NYT entry - not yet traced).

I can't praise this book enough and its researchers extraordinary work. Stunning stuff and something I'll be dipping into for years to come.

I dragged out my 8 "Tighten Up" album compilations and have been petting them and playing them like a favourite child ever since!

The Birth of UK Reggae, 04 Jun 2003
This book is a comprehensive history of Trojan records. With loads of photos and a great discography. A collectors bible!

An Oracle for Trojan Collectors, 13 May 2003
The book is great for all reggae fans and collectors. It gives good background to the story of Trojan, and lots of insight from interviews etc. There is also good background stuff about the cultures that influenced the music. Concentrating mainly on the heyday of reggae in the 1970s, Michael' de Koningh's style (seen often on sleevenotes and reviews) is easy to read. The discography is a must have for all serious collectors. The 12 track CD features some well-known and some less obvious Trjan tracks. Good value for money.

Cuba: A New History, 02 Nov 2008
'Cuba: A New History' is an excellent account of Cuban history up until this books publication in 2004. Gott manages to write in a completely engaging way and draws you in to the rich and diverse history of this amazing Caribbean island. This is in no way a dry and uninspiring read, but one that helps you immerse yourself in the history and developments over the years. From Spanish colonial rule, US intervention and soviet support, Cuba has managed to retain some remnant of it's own identity and this book shows this side perfectly. The first 100 pages (looking at Spanish Colonial rule and the slave trades to Cuba) were the hardest to engage with for me, but as soon as the revolution occurred and the book focused on the Castro government and all that it entails, I became hooked to this masterly text. The author doesn't seem overly biased one way or the other, although you can tell he has respect for this tiny island nation. He doesn't seem to be too sensationalist either, for example when Che Guevara dies it is noted in quite an understated way and not overly hyped to have a greater impact. Two minor flaws with this book are the tiny font which by the end had given me serious eye strain, why academic texts insist on using this size font I'll never know. And the other flaw is a distinct lack of decent photography to add to the package. There are a few pages of grey photos in the middle, but not on good quality paper, or especially relevant to the overall text, i've come to expect better from history books these days. These are minor flaws in what is a brilliant account of Cuban history which leaves you with some indication of what the future may hold as well. If Cuba interests you in the slightest, I'd seriously recommend you take a look at this book.

A good survey, but occasionally problematic, 17 Aug 2008
Cuba's history is vast and complex, and Gott does an admirable job in trying to make sense of it all. However, particularly in the first two and a half chapters, he struggles to maintain interest, and at times it can descend into what feels like a list of battles and names, with little overall coherence. Additionally, he constantly looks forward to the future, forseeing revolution 200 years before it happened. Such a teleological approach can be frustrating, and at times does lead to some inaccurate comparisons between historical figures and Raul, Fidel and Che.

However, in the more modern chapters, Gott does a fantastic job of providing a fair-minded review of Cuba's history. His analysis of the 20th century, and particularly the survey of Cuban-American relations, is detailed and wonderfully written. He makes sense of a complex subject, and provides an account which gives a strong sense of impartiality and intellectual analysis, free from moral critique of either side. For the later chapters, Gott really gets into his stride, and the book is very much worth reading for this analysis alone. Struggle through the first couple of dry chapters and you will discover a rich, well-written history.

AN EXCELLENT SURVEY, 19 Nov 2004
This book should be read by everyone interested in Cuba, in Fidel Castro, and in a nation whose history goes back far earlier than its modern manifestation. Richard Gott has brought a lifetime of expertise to the task, and writes, as in all his books, with wit and wisdom. He has an enviable eye for fascinating, and telling detail, and he unravels history's "granny knots" with unerring skill.

Useful account of Cuba's long struggle for sovereignty, 19 Nov 2004
Richard Gott is a British journalist and historian with many years' experience of covering Latin America. He has written a very useful book on Cuba's long struggle for national independence and sovereignty. The first third of the book examines the Cuban people's struggle against Spanish occupation from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The rest of the book looks at Cuba's 20th century struggle against the US empire.

The USA intervened militarily in Cuba in 1906-09, 1912, 1917-23 and 1961, always on the pretexts of establishing democracy and order. In 1902 the US state imposed the Platt Amendment on Cuba. Its seventh paragraph gave the USA the 'right' to establish permanent military bases on Cuba. It was repealed in 1934, but the dictator Batista signed a new treaty allowing the USA to keep its huge military base at Guantanamo Bay.

Gott shows how in 1959 the people defeated the US-backed dictator by relying on their own forces. He observes that the British and Yugoslavian governments armed Batista to the last moment.

Gott possibly devotes too little attention to the Cuban people's successes in developing their country. He notes, without exploring, Cuba's remarkable achievements in health and education and he fails to mention its pioneering pharmaceutical industry.

But he gives due prominence to Cuba's internationalism, particularly to its selfless military support to the Angolan people in 1988. Nelson Mandela later visited Havana to thank Fidel personally for Cuba's assistance in the struggle against apartheid. He said, "The decisive defeat of the racist army in Cuito Cuanavale was a victory for all Africa ... It made it possible for Angola to enjoy peace and establish its own sovereignty ... and for the people of Namibia to achieve their independence. The decisive defeat of the aggressive apartheid forces destroyed the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor. The defeat of the apartheid army served as an inspiration to the struggling people of South Africa."

Cuba has a proud record of upholding workers' nationalism and of practical internationalism. Whatever foreign observers hope or fear, the Cuban people will never surrender their national independence and sovereignty.

HUMANITY AT ITS BEST!!, 19 Nov 2003
I have just finished reading this book on Che Guevara and I must say I was truly blown away by this mans passion and humanity. For me, my reason for ready about Che were pretty much the same as everybody else, seeing his picture on students T-shirts and being curious about his life and legacy. I was not disappointed at what I read. This book is a fairly easy read which is important as the author does not try to loose the reader in politics but very much explains che's thoughts and reasons for his actions with a brief discussions on the current political situation in Cuba during his time as Fidel Castro's right hand man.

Che Guevara was very much the 'Robin hood' of Cuba, fighting for the people and sacrificing all of his material goods for the larger political goals of Cuba and his dream of riding the world from political greed and corruption, and uniting us so that everyone is equal and there is no poverty or discrimination.

This book is fast and emotional which really puts things into perspective, it makes you thinks exactly who really is the enemy of the world, rich countries or third world countries, anyway this book is a truly fantastic and is a good grounding before moving on to a more complex read on che.

My closing statement is this, even today why do we watch people like Che Guevara struggle against political corruption, ignore there cries and watch them branded an enemy by higher forces, here of their deaths, then make martyrs of them and spend the rest of our time talking about how great they where and how much of a lose they will be?

Good intro to life of infamous revolutionary, 08 Jun 2002
Andrew Sinclair's biography of Ernesto 'Che' Guervara is a fantastic guide to understanding the human passion and ideas behind Guevara's political beliefs and eventually his political actions. Sinclair shows how Che was frustrated as a child, even though he came from a relatively well off family, due to suffering from asthma. This may have been one of the reaons why Che decided to study medicine. Sinclair also provides detail on Guevara's travels and journeys around South America which provided Che with first hand experience of poverty, suffering and expolitation of the workers which lead to the definition his political views. This book also gives much detail on the dramatic events of the Cuban Revolution. Overall this is a good place to start for anyone wanting to know more about the face they have seen on many a t'shirt. The knowledge provided here will give anyone with a real interest the ability to go on and read further, maybe more politicaly angled texts focusing on Che. It allows the reader to understand the human beliefs behind the revolutionary actions.

Compelling and instructive, 28 Jul 1999
This collection of memories conveys the excitement, zeal, possibilities, problems and limitations of Guevara's "guerilla warfare" strategy as it was practiced in the Sierra Maestra. At times, one can almost hear Guevara wheezing as he traverses the rugged terrain. It is, in general, light on ideological substance and heavy on battlefield drama. A classic nonetheless...

The Revolution through Che's eyes, 16 Oct 1998
This first hand account of the Cuban Revolution through the eyes of Che give the reader the feeling and emotion that Che felt as he wrote these words. We can see and feel the emotion from his words and can see how complex he was. At times he was cruel and hard driving, at others, compassionate and unsure. Good reading for anyone interested in Che

Like smoking a great Havana cigar, 10 Jan 2008
You don't have to have an interest in the subject to find this book compelling, as a history of organized crime, a history of Cuba, and an interesting slant on the Cuban Revolution. Meyer Lansky led a mobster infiltration of Havana in the 1950's, with mucho casinos, nightclubs, resort hotels, drugs, prostitution and much more, all of it done with the complicity of the President Fulgencio Batista. The book covers a lot of ground and is very entertaining while being informative at the same time. Written in a literary and also popular style. Anyone who has seen Godfather Part II (and who hasn't?) will be fascinated by the background that is provided here, giving that movie added weight.The book also shows how the exploitation by the mobsters led in part to the Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Fascinating stuff, with lots of good photos as well. Light up a stogie, make yourself a cuba libre and start reading...

Fantastic book, and a fantastic introduction to both Castro and the Cuban Revolution., 10 Aug 2008
An informative and interesting publication. I really could not put it down.

I highly recomened it.

Fidel - now in retirement, but not forgotten, 29 Feb 2008
George Galloway's book is a concise illustrated biography of Fidel Castro, Cuba's leader from January 1959 until February 2008. For a short review of Castro's life and achievements, the book is unsurpassed, and well worth purchasing. Do not believe everything unfavourable you read about Castro: read this book, then visit Cuba for yourself and see what a completely unique country it is.

Indefatigable, 01 Apr 2007
Who better to write this book on Castro then George Galloway? He has had amazing access to Fidel that other biographers could never dream of having, including a night when they went skinnydipping together. Other than Castro himself, this is as good as it gets. Galloway's huge vocabulary and wit add to a moving tribute of the greatest leader of the 21st century.

alternative history, 29 Nov 2006
When i bought this book i had no opinion of Fidel Castro at all, but since reading i have had the pleasure of finding out more about the leader good and bad. It is such a refreshing change to see things from a non-western perspective and i found this book very informative and interesting. It is amazing how western media see everone else in this world in a black and white view and if the leader or activist in question isn't white skinned clean shaven suited up stereotype then tags of "Oppressor", "Dictator", "Terrorist" and "Corrupt" are repeatedly used. This book offers a distinctivley alternative look at one of the most important leaders in the world and is a must read for all of us who have swallowed the capitalist materialist drug whole.

Stunning., 22 Jul 2008
A perfect book - lovingly composed, beautifully presented, replete with photographs and excerpts from Che Guevara's own writings. A treasure which will delight those who already know the man, and enlight those who don't.

Che Guevara, 22 Mar 2005
This is a moving insight into the life and journeys of Ernesto Guevara, as revolutionary but also father and husband. Features personal reportage and photography covering his life from the early days travelling as a student through South America and experiencing the poverty and hardship of everyday life to the making of the latter day revolutionary. Offers a fascinating insight into the life of a man whose image is so well known.

A Sensational Book With A Ground-Breaking & Detailed Discography, 26 May 2008
I've contributed large numbers of entries to the UK's 1400-page "Record Collector Price Guide 2008" - and to many of it's previous issues - and have worked in the rare record mail-order business for 'too' many years. Why do I say all this - because I can tell you that it's REGGAE MUSIC - and especially information about it 7" singles - that is so scarce, hard-to-find and problematic. Details are always sketchy. Sure, most of the Island Records and later Virgin Label Reggae stuff is now listed and documented, but you go off-the-beaten track a little bit and it's a whole different ballgame. Usually produced on a shoestring, pressed up as one-off pressings, then sold off vans to shops in the city that specialized in that music...98% of it never charted in the regular pop charts and is therefore something of a mystery. I've found that 'hard' info about reggae (LPs or 7"s) is in the mitts of a handful of dedicated collectors and dedicated shop sources (like the now sadly defunct and brilliant "Daddy Kool" in Berwick Street in London) and the general public never gets a shoe in on what's what. Which is why this book is such an absolute sensation.

After the main story of Trojan Records itself (which is a fantastic read), Pages 119 to 156 give you all the supplementary stuff - Lists of R&B, Motown and Pop Covers the label did, Musicland & Muzic City shops stocking Trojan from their incorporation in 1963 to their closure in 1976, pages of detailed Suggested Listening, then Suggested Reading, the Sources used to compile it all, Profiles of all labels under the Trojan umbrella, and then - wait for it - a discography that stretches from page 157 to 305! The detail and accuracy is astonishing and in many cases - first time info into the public domain.

It should also be noted that while the TROJAN name and label is well known, its subsidiary labels are not. The discography includes both singles & LPs of the following labels for the first time:
Amalgamated, Attack, Big, Big Shot, Black Swan, Blue Cat, Bread, Clandisc, Doctor Bird, Down Town, Duke, Duke Reid, Dynamic, Explosion, Gayfeet, GC, GPW, Grape, Green Door, Harry J, High Note, Horse, Hot Rod, Jackpot, J-Dan, Joe, JJ, Jump-Up, Moodisc, Pressure Beat, Pyramid, Q, Randy's, Smash, Song Bird, Spinning Wheel, Summit, Techniques, Treasure Isle, Trojan and Upsetter. Wow!

As if this isn't good enough, there's a superlative 12-track CD attached to the inside of the front sleeve with both rare and well known Trojan titles - its track list