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... and 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.