Abyss: The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962

The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis was the most perilous event in history, when the United States and Soviet Union faced a nuclear collision. Max Hastings' new history tells the story from the viewpoints of national leaders, Russian officers, Cuban peasants, American pilots, and British disarmers, and reveals that the rape of Ukraine gives this narrative a twenty-first-century immediacy. It is critical to understand how the world survived its last glimpse into the abyss to contend with todays threat.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis was a pivotal moment in history, marking the closest encounter between the United States and the Soviet Union, leading to a tense standoff that threatened global annihilation. In his captivating new book, acclaimed historian Max Hastings delves into the events of this crisis from various perspectives, including those of national leaders, Russian officers, Cuban peasants, American pilots, and British disarmers. Through a blend of eye-witness interviews, archival documents, diaries, White House tape recordings, and top-down analysis, Hastings paints vivid word-portraits of the Cold War experiences of Fidel Castro's Cuba, Nikita Khrushchev's Russia, and John F. Kennedy's America.

However, what makes this narrative even more relevant in the twenty-first century is the chilling connection Hastings draws between the crisis and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He argues that the rape of Ukraine gives this historical event a newfound immediacy, raising fears of a potential new Cold War between nuclear-armed superpowers. This book is a timely and essential read, as it offers valuable insights into how the world managed to navigate its last brush with nuclear Armageddon and what lessons can be learned to confront the current threat.

Hastings emphasizes the importance of understanding the mindset of leaders during the Cuban Missile Crisis, as they faced a daunting challenge with limited options. He highlights the courage and resilience displayed by Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro, as they navigated through a series of tense negotiations and brinksmanship. The crisis also exposed the flaws and vulnerabilities of the Cold War system, leading to significant changes in international relations and the development of nuclear deterrence.

Furthermore, Hastings explores the human cost of the crisis, highlighting the sacrifices made by individuals and communities on both sides. He sheds light on the fear and uncertainty that gripped the world during those thirteen days, as well as the heroism and resilience of those who worked to prevent a nuclear disaster. The crisis also had long-lasting impacts on Cuba, Russia, and the United States, shaping their political and economic landscapes for decades to come.

In conclusion, Max Hastings' The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis is a masterful work of history that offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in world history. By examining the crisis through the lenses of different perspectives and drawing connections to contemporary events, Hastings provides a timely and essential contribution to our understanding of the dangers of nuclear proliferation and the importance of diplomacy and leadership in navigating complex international relations. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, and global security.

Weight: 912g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 51 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008364991