Castro: Profiles in Power

Castro (Profiles In Power)

by Sebastian Balfour

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2686 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	230 pages

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Unraveling the Enigma of Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro, the charismatic and enigmatic Cuban revolutionary, remains one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. His rise to power in 1959 marked the beginning of a profound social and political transformation in Cuba, and his influence extended far beyond the island nation, shaping the course of history in Latin America and the Cold War.

In his definitive biography, Castro: Profiles in Power, Sebastian Balfour draws on unprecedented access to Castro's inner circle and extensive research to paint a vivid portrait of the man behind the myth. Balfour reveals the complexities and contradictions that defined Castro's life and legacy, from his early days as a rebellious lawyer to his transformation into a revolutionary leader and his decades-long reign as Cuba's president.

Born into a wealthy family in eastern Cuba, Castro was a brilliant student and a charismatic young leader. He became involved in politics at an early age, and his opposition to the corrupt and repressive regime of Fulgencio Batista led him to organize a small group of revolutionaries who launched an armed uprising in 1956. After two years of guerrilla warfare, Castro's forces triumphed, and he entered Havana as a conquering hero.

As Cuba's new leader, Castro quickly implemented a series of radical reforms, including land redistribution, nationalization of industries, and the expansion of social services. He also aligned Cuba with the Soviet Union, which provided economic and military support in exchange for Cuba's support in the Cold War. Castro's policies were controversial, but they also brought about significant improvements in the lives of many Cubans.

Throughout his life, Castro was a complex and enigmatic figure. He was a brilliant orator and a master of political strategy, but he was also a ruthless dictator who suppressed dissent and imprisoned his political opponents. He was a champion of socialism and anti-imperialism, but he also maintained close ties with the Soviet Union and other authoritarian regimes.

In Castro: Profiles in Power, Balfour explores the many facets of Castro's personality and his impact on Cuba and the world. He draws on interviews with Castro's family, friends, and colleagues, as well as extensive archival research, to paint a nuanced and comprehensive portrait of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

Castro: Profiles in Power is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Cuba, Latin America, and the Cold War. It is also an invaluable resource for scholars and anyone seeking to understand the life and legacy of one of the most enigmatic and influential figures of the 20th century.

Praise for Castro: Profiles in Power

"A magisterial biography of Fidel Castro, the most important figure in Latin American history since Simón Bolívar." - Jon Lee Anderson, author of Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life

"A brilliant and deeply researched account of Castro's life and legacy. Balfour has written the definitive biography of one of the most complex and fascinating figures of the 20th century." - Walter LaFeber, author of America, Russia, and the Cold War, 1945-1991

"A must-read for anyone interested in the history of Cuba and Latin America. Balfour has written a nuanced and comprehensive portrait of a towering figure who shaped the course of history." - Jorge Castañeda, former Foreign Minister of Mexico

About the Author

Sebastian Balfour is a British historian and journalist who has written extensively about Cuba and Latin America. He is the author of several books, including The Cuban Revolution: A Critical History and Castro: Profiles in Power. Balfour has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian.

Castro (Profiles In Power)

by Sebastian Balfour

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2686 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	230 pages

FREE