The author of this book takes a highly original approach to understanding the past three decades of Cuban history–he offers an analysis and interpretation of the prolific writings and speeches of Fidel Castro and of numerous interviews with him. Through Castro’s own words, Sheldon Liss examines the evolution of the Cuban leader’s political and social ideas and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the Revolution. Liss first illuminates how intellectuals and political activists, including José Marti, Antonio Guiteras, and Ernesto “Che” Guevara, influenced Fidel’s ideological...