Encyclopedia of Cuban-United States Relations

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From Adams, John Quincy to Zayas, Alfredo, this encyclopedia covers the long history of relations between Cuba and the U.S., the good, the bad, and the ugly. Entries include biographies, political and social policies, and events. They range in size from one paragraph (Caracas Pact; Finley, Carlos; Hemingway, Ernest) to several pages (Carter, Jimmy; Guantanamo Naval Base; International Conferences of American States; Slavery; Sugar Acts). The author is a professor and director of the International Studies Program at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida.Entries are in alphabetical order. Names are entered in the Spanish form with see references from the English form (Castro, Fidel see Castro Ruz, Fidel). Most entries include see also references. The writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand by most readers. The statements are objective and factual; there is little bias evident in the text. The information is current through the George W. Bush administration. Illustrations are limited to a few well-placed maps. Four appendixes supplement the main texts: a chronology, lists of Internet sites and audiovisual materials, and a bibliography, which is divided into reference works, surveys, and books that cover specific time periods. In each appendix, annotations of a sentence or two are very helpful. The index is quite thorough. Because of the brevity of this volume and the quality of the entries, it is an excellent starting place for research and information. It should be purchased as a companion to resources such as Encyclopedia of Cuba: People, History, Culture [RBB O 1 03] and Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture (Scribner, 1996), which present more cultural information. This volume's focus on political relations makes it useful for colleges and for high schools that have Advanced Placement government or history programs. Robin Hoelle
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
Ninety miles from Florida, the island of Cuba has since long before the Castro revolution focused its attention upon, and drawn the attention of, the United States. American interest can be traced to President Jefferson; events since 1959 have kept the two nations constantly at odds. This encyclopedia places persons and events in the context of Cuban relations with the United States and of course vice versa. An introduction and chronology provide a background. From ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY to ZAYAS, ALFREDO, entries cover such topics as policies (e.g., Isle of Pines Treaty, 1931 International Sugar Agreement), leaders (e.g., Fulgencio Batista, John F. Kennedy) and events (e.g., Bay of Pigs invasion, Baltimore Orioles vs. Cuban All-Stars in 1999). Many see references interconnect the entries.

About the Author
Thomas M. Leonard is a professor and director of the International Studies Program at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida.


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Leonard (international studies, U of North Florida) examines people, places, institutions, events, and other factors that relate to relations between the two countries from the early 19th century to the early 21st. Articles are cross-referenced to other articles. In addition to the main entries, he provides a chronology, a descriptive lists of audiovisual material and Internet sites with information on current policy and events, and an annotated bibliography. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


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