This book remains an up-to date and engrossing document more than one hundred fifty years after its initial publication. The Island of Cuba is a key source for studies of 19th-centruy Cuba and slavery in the Caribbean; and has appeared in translated editions throughout the world. Humboldt's description of the island; which brings together the fields of anthropology; geography; agriculture; demographics; commerce; and communications; provides a context in which to trace the history of Cuba-U.S. relations as well as a basis for modern Cuban studies. Cubans celebrate Humboldt as the second "discoverer" of the island (after Columbus); and the controversial publication history of this book mirrors Cuba's history. The Spanish version was banned in colonial Cuba; and the American translation created an international controversy because of the translator J.S. Thrasher's open call for the American annexation of Cuba. Thrasher also deleted a chapter in which Humboldt condemned slavery; in order to please the pro-slavery party. This new edition restores the missing chapter on slavery in a new translation and provides the text of the letter by Humboldt condemning the omission as well as Thrasher's response (both published in the New York Daily Times) and his polemical preface. Luis Martinez-Fernandez analyzes the publication history of Humboldt's book on Cuba; including an anniversary edition published under Fidel Castro; and follows the Cuban point of view on Humboldt over the course of the book's multifaceted history.
#210496 in Books Naval Institute Press 2012-04-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.96 x .93 x 6.02l; 1.08 #File Name: 1557508062360 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A very good and informative book writtenBy ScottA very good and informative book written; not by some third party but by the man who actually lived it and was Commander of the task force.I read this book just before taking a private tour of the U-505 at the Museum of Science and Industry and it definitely made the tour more enjoyable; walking through the sub and imagining all of the events that I had just read about.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good book; slightly annoying authorBy E. NelsonThis is a good book overall; not as riveting as the books written by U-boat commanders; but entertaining nonetheless. The author comes across as a bit arrogant and full of himself at times; especially toward the end; but still an overall good book if you buy it used. I would recommend this as a used book buy.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. 20;000 Tons Under the SeaBy LindaEveryone who lives in Chicago needs to read this book! We take the Museum of Science and Industry and the submarine exhibit for granted; but this book is the true story of its capture and the process of bringing it to Chicago; which is absolutely riveting and defies the odds at every turn. The incredible foresight of Dan Gallery and the bravery of his crew is inspiring and so exciting to read step-by-step. You will NOT be disappointed if you read this book...and if you live in Chicago; you will want to spend the day checking out the real thing at MSI!
