Fidel: A Biography of Fidel Castro

Bourne, a psychiatrist with experience in numerous government posts, was granted access to Cuban government archives and talked with many people who have worked closely with Castro. The result, in addition to being a first-class chronological biography, provides insight into the Cuban leader's psyche, especially in regard to his lifelong identification with his father, the influence of his Catholic upbringing, and the extent to which his support of revolutionary causes outside Cuba can be seen as tied to psychological needs. This first full biography of Castro in 15 years presents new material about the Bay of Pigs and the 1962 missile crisis as seen from the Cuban point of view. One of the book's many surprises is the revelation of the depth of Cuban resentment over Khrushchev's failure to involve Cuba in the settlement of the missile crisis. Bourne also traces Castro's recent emergence as a mediator rather than protagonist in Third World conflicts. Major ad/promo. (September 8)