Utilizing Lady Bird Johnson's tapes and transcripts from her White House diary, this book reveals the intricate history of America during the Johnson administration. It offers a fresh perspective on the era, highlighting Lady Bird's influence and experiences while intertwining personal narratives with significant historical events. The work is celebrated for its depth and insight, likened to the style of renowned biographer Robert Caro, making it a compelling read for those interested in political history and the role of women in it.
Since Fidel Castro took power in Cuba in 1959, Americans have been captivated by the nation just ninety miles from Florida. This fascination has intensified over the years, driven by waves of Cuban immigration and Castro's formidable presence. Cubans have become a significant ethnic group in Florida, and the exile community wields considerable influence, prompting every U.S. president to seek their approval. However, the depth of American understanding about Cuba remains limited. In this updated edition, Julia Sweig presents an accessible overview of the island nation, featuring a new foreword that addresses developments following the normalization of U.S.-Cuba relations initiated by Obama and Raul Castro. A concluding chapter reflects on how this normalization unfolded, including Pope Francis' visit to Cuba and his meetings with the Castro brothers. The book offers a comprehensive look at Cuba's history from the Spanish-American War to the present, examining its role in global affairs and its social and political changes. Sweig organizes the content into distinct periods: pre-Fidel, post-revolution through the Cold War, the post-Cold War era, and the post-Fidel period. Informative and engaging, this work serves as an essential reference for understanding Cuba's internal dynamics, its complex relationship with the U.S., and its evolving place in the world.
