Cuba In War Time

by Richard Harding Davis

Cuba in War Time is a non-fiction book written by Richard Harding Davis, first published in 1897. The book is a detailed account of the Cuban War of Independence, which took place between 1895 and 1898. Davis, an American journalist, traveled to Cuba to report on the conflict and his book is a compilation of his experiences, observations, and interviews with key figures involved in the war. The book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the conflict. Davis provides an overview of the political and social conditions in Cuba prior to the war, the events leading up to the conflict, and the major battles and campaigns that took place during the war. He also discusses the role of the United States in the conflict, including the controversial sinking of the USS Maine, which ultimately led to the United States' involvement in the war. Throughout the book, Davis provides vivid descriptions of the Cuban landscape, the people he encountered, and the hardships they faced during the war. He also provides insights into the strategies and tactics employed by both the Cuban rebels and the Spanish forces, as well as the impact of the conflict on the civilian population. Overall, Cuba in War Time is a fascinating historical account of a pivotal moment in Cuban and American history. Davis' firsthand account provides a unique perspective on the conflict and sheds light on the complex political and social issues at play during this tumultuous time.But since the revolution came to Cuba the beauty of the landscape is blotted with the grim and pitiable signs of war. The sugar cane has turned to a dirty brown where the fire has passed through it, the centrals are black ruins, and the adobe houses and the railroad stations are roofless, and their broken windows stare pathetically at you like blind eyes. War cannot alter the sunshine, but the smoke from the burning huts and the blazing corn fields seems all the more sad and terrible when it rises into such an atmosphere, and against so soft and beautiful a sky.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: History

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1897

About the author

Richard Harding Davis (1864–1916) was a journalist and writer of fiction and drama, known foremost as the first American war correspondent to cover the Spanish-American War, the Second Boer War, and the First World War. His writing greatly assisted the political career of Theodore Roosevelt and he also played a major role in the evolution of the American magazine. His influence extended to the world of fashion and he is credited with making the clean-shaven look popular among men at the turn of the 20th century.

Reviews

[Goody2shoes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The text that I keep returning to in this book is the chapter entitled 'The Death of Rodriguez'. a very powerful and emotional account of a Cuban rebels' execution by the Spanish during the Cuban War of Independence.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bit of Cuba History.

🖊 Useful and informative short book on Cuba.

📕Published in 1897 “originally (in part) in the form of letters from Cuba to the New York Journal and in the newspapers of a syndicate arranged by the Journal; the remainder, which was suggested by the questions asked on my return, was written in this country, and appears here for the first time.”

CONTENTS
Author's Note
Cuba in War Time
The Fate of the Pacificos
The Death of Rodriguez
Along the Trocha
The Question of Atrocities
The Right of Search of American Vessels

🎨Illustrated by Frederic Remington.

જ⁀🟢The e-book version on Project Gutenberg .
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My ratings for this work:
Content: ★★★★★
Grammar: ★★★★★
Writing style: ★★★★★
Ease of reading: ★★★★★
My recommendation: ★★★★★
My total rating for this work: ★★★★★ (5.0)

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at reporting that led to our involvement in 1898. Knowing the repercussions of writing like this adds to the experience. My copy contained illustrations by Frederic Remington, which were of Spaniards, because the author's movements were tightly controlled by the Spaniard, much like reporters today would have their movements controlled by Castro (R).

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ironic that this ends with an appeal for America to involve itself in Cuba’s anti-colonial fight, given that America would in fact use its later involvement not to support Cuba’s sovereignty but to make itself as the colonial rulers of Cuba for over half a century.

I was hoping that writings about Jose Martí would be included since he was mentioned in the preface, but no luck, I was misled!

[Bob Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is suggested by the editor that Davis went to Cuba as a non-interventionist, but soon morphed into an advocate of the insurrection, with biased coverage. Not sure I agree with the bias charge. He does point out atrocities by the rebels. He spent most of his time in Spanish controlled areas, and by rights should have developed a bias on the Spanish side. His plea is for Americans in authority to come to Cuba, go beyond Havana, and see for themselves - and then to act. He does not necessarily suggest an intervention on the rebel side, but an intervention to end the killing.
In passing, what finally precipitated American involvement was not the sinking of the Maine, but exactly what Davis suggests. An influential U S senator came to Cuba; on his return, he delivered something like a day and a half speech on the Senate floor, documenting atrocities, particularly in the reconcentration camps. The congress pulled a hesitant president (and business community) into war.

[Lyn Sweetapple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written with excellent illustrations by Frederick Remington. I was expecting this to be the Yellow Journalism I heard so much about leading to our involvement, but it seemed to be a bit more even handed as he was out and about and talked to everyone involved.

[William Boyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively good first hand account from a time period and subject which is not covered very well in English. A worthwhile read if your interested in the subject and times. The best chapter is the death of Rodriguez.