The Mambi-Land, or Adventures of a Herald Correspondent in Cuba: A Critical Edition

In late 1872, the New York Herald appointed James J. OKelly as its special correspondent to Cuba to cover the Ten Years War. He was tasked with crossing Spanish lines, locating insurgent camps, and interviewing the president of the Cuban republic, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. After fulfilling his mission, he was arrested, court-martialed, and threatened with execution in Spanish Cuba. The Mambi-Land, or Adventures of a Herald Correspondent in Cuba, is a book-length account of the war and provides a window into U.S.-Cuba relations. It highlights Cuba's importance in American national consciousness in the post-Civil War period and makes a significant contribution to understanding the complicated history of Cuba-U.S. relations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2022
Publisher: University of Virginia Press

In late 1872, the New York Herald appointed James J. OKelly as its special correspondent to Cuba, a role that would later be recognized as covering the Ten Years War. Tasked with venturing beyond Spanish lines, locating insurgent camps, and interviewing the president of the Cuban republic, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, OKelly embarked on a perilous mission. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he was arrested, court-martialed, and faced the threat of execution in Spanish Cuba. Despite this setback, OKelly persevered and used his experiences to write his book, The Mambi-Land, or Adventures of a Herald Correspondent in Cuba.

This remarkable work not only resurrected an important lost piece of history but also shed light on a lesser-known chapter in U.S.-Cuba relations. The Mambi-Land provides a comprehensive account of Cubas Ten Years War for independence from Spain, a pivotal period in the countrys history. It also offers a unique perspective on the post-Civil War era in American national consciousness, highlighting Cuba's significance in shaping the nation's foreign policy.

In addition to its historical value, this critical edition of The Mambi-Land makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the complex history of Cuba-U.S. relations. It sheds new light on the political, social, and cultural dynamics that shaped the relationship between the two countries during this period and highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities that continue to shape their interactions.

Overall, The Mambi-Land is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on an important period in Cuban history and contributes to our broader understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between Cuba and the United States.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813946931