Andres Cao Mendiguren (Havana, Cuba, 1931-) graduated from the University of
Havana's School of Medicine. He worked at Calixto Garcia Hospital until 1960 when he
resigned for political reasons and was later incarcerated, as a political prisoner, for 20 years.
In the United States since 1979, he suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa, an incurable decease that
has left him blind. With the help of the Blind Division, he prepared and passed his medical bar
exam in 1980. He was able to practice medicine until 1998 when he retired. He died in Miami.


This book is an intelligent, objective and critical look at the history of the Cuban
Republic. It looks at the accomplishments of this period that lasted from 1902-1958 and searches
for answers as to why it failed and was replaced by a totalitarian regime that has lasted almost 50
years. The book is a result of research and long conversations with important figures that
contributed to this period of Cuban history making it an important part of first hand oral history.