'Fidel Castro may have formally relinquished office but he still casts a long shadow over the Cuban revolution, and Sebastian Balfour succeeds in analysing both the man and his legacy with admirable judiciousness. A timely and highly knowledgeable update of a classic work on one of the most fascinating leaders of our time.' Francisco Panizza, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Politics, The London School of Economics and Political Science.

The story of Fidel Castro has few parallels in contemporary history. None of the important Third World leaders of the twentieth-century played such a prominent and restless part on the international stage and none survived as head of state for as long. Over almost 50 years, he was one of the most controversial political figures in the world, and his legacy has yet to be fully evaluated. Some of his most cherished plans were realized and are a model for many Third World countries. Yet despite enormous sacrifices by Cubans, his grand vision remains unfulfilled and its continued pursuit is full of risks.