It has been 50 years since Fidel Castro was able to overthrow the corrupt dictatorship of Juan Batista, an event that many saw as a positive move. At the time Castro was a popular revolutionary with Marxist leanings. It was only a bit later that he decided to turn his country into a full-fledged communist dictatorship. It was at that time that the US broke off relations with Cuba and President Kennedy gave the CIA the OK to start mounting operations that would lead toward invasion and the overthrow of Castro's Cuba.

In this Osprey book, the full story of the men behind both the invasion by Cuba's exiles, the 2506 Brigade, and those in Cuba who defended their country against the invaders is told. The area chosen was the Bay of Pigs along the south western coast of Cuba. An area far away from most of the Cuban military and one that could be easily defended once captured. As often happens, a series of events and mishaps caused the invasion to fail, none of it helped by the lack of support by the US military once things started to go wrong.

The author has not only told the CIA backed side of the story but also looks at those in the Cuban militia and army who helped to defend the country and break up the invasion. Thanks to period photos and the superb artwork and illustrations of Stephen Walsh, we get a look at how each side was dressed and equipped for this battle. We also get a look at how the area appears today as well as some of the artifacts from the time that have survived in museums and displays.

Overall, it is an excellent book and a great addition to this series. If you want to read how things can go wrong and do so in a hurry, then this is a book that I know you will want to read. Highly recommended.

 January 2009

For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com. In the US, it is Osprey Direct at 44-02 23rd St, Suite 219, Long Island City, NY 11101., where you can get a catalogue of available books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.