Semper Fidel: America and Cuba, 1776-1988

This is the first comprehensive history of Cuban-American relations. The author has written a nonpartisan, perceptive analysis of the vital factors at play between these long standing adversaries: geographic position, culture, language, size, economy, domestic politics -- to name a few. It is a colorful story. William Walker intended to conquer Cuba in 1850, but was sidetracked in Nicaragua, Pres. Madison might have annexed or bought Cuba, but feared provoking war with Britain . . . & of course, there is the matter of Fidel Castro, who might have played baseball in the Majors, if only he'd had a better fast ball.