Synopsis

Balfour's illuminating study is more than a personal biography, although it traces Castro's evolution from student leader to head of state. It analyses the peculiar historical conditions that enabled Castro to seize and maintain power, arguing that his popular appeal rested on a identification with a century-old struggle for national regeneration.

Booknews

Reprint of a study in which Balfour (contemporary Spanish Studies, London School of Economics) traces Fidel Castro's path to power, from student leader to head of state. Taking account of recent world developments, he analyzes the historical conditions that enabled Castro to seize and maintain power; assesses Castro's charismatic appeal and use of the mass media; uses Castro's own words, letters and documents to explore his decades of rule and considers his economic record; talks to Cuban officials, writers, historians and journalists to look at the changing perception of Cubans about their leader; and shows how Cuba came to play an international role so disproportionate to the country's size and economic weight. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)