That Infernal Little Cuban Republic

Lars Schoultz is the William Rand Kenan Jr. Professor of Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a past president of the Latin American Studies Association.

Anyone with an interest in U.S. foreign relations will appreciate Schoultz's careful historical detail, readable narrative and clear analysis.--McClatchy-Tribune News Service [An] eminently readable account of Cuban-American relations over the past century. . . . A deeply frustrating tale, chronicled with skill by a fine historian.--Times Literary Supplement A monumental study of U.S.-Cuba relations . . . based on an extensive use of primary sources. It will undoubtedly become an indispensable tool for anyone interested in this topic.--The Journal of American History An approachable, deeply satisfying narrative with a clear-eyed and persuasive critique of U.S. policy toward Cuba and, more broadly, of U.S. policy toward any weaker nation that has ever stubbornly asserted its sovereignty. . . . A page turner. . . . A gripping, expertly told story of one of the most complicated foreign policy relationships in the western hemisphere.--Publishers Weekly starred review Offers a more nuanced and potentially enlightening window upon the main obstacle to better US relations in the region. . . . Valuable.--The Latin American Review of Books Schoultz has an unparalleled grasp of U.S. sources--from government documents to Congressional records, unpublished memoirs and interviews with protagonists American and Cuban. His analysis is lucid and thought-provoking, and he writes exceedingly well. Reading the book is a pleasure. It is, by far, the best book on U.S. relations with Castro's Cuba. . . . A superb book.--American Historical Review Schoultz let[s] the principal actors speak for themselves. . . . to provide a fly-on-the-wall perspective to Washington policymaking.--Centre Daily Times Schoultz [writes] with insightful verve in That Infernal Little Cuban Republic, a comprehensive history of US-Cuba relations since World War II.--The Nation The Obama administration would be wise to consider Schoultz's latest book essential reading. . . . This impressive book is highly recommended.--Library Journal starred review This narrative history of a century of US policy towards Cuba is impressively researched and splendidly written. It becomes the instant standard on its subject. Its emphasis is on US policy since the late 1950s, its sources are principally US archives, and its sweep is comprehensive. Schoultz has a knack for identifying in the historical record the telling phrase, the apt metaphor, the outrageous statement and the powerful insight.--Journal of Latin American Studies