Nick Caistor – författare

The Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro is one of the most written-about men in the world today. Most approaches to his life are either glowing hagiographies, or critical rants in which he is portrayed as a dictator who has kept the island of Cuba under his heel. By contrast, Nick Caistor brings together personal details and a discussion of the ideas driving Castro throughout his life; his ultimate aim is to give readers the opportunity to judge for themselves whether or not, as Castro himself once said, ‘history will absolve me’.Fidel Castro not only brought revolution to Cuba, but also wielded power there almost unchallenged for nearly 50 years; finally stepping down at the age of 81, due to ill health, in February 2008. Broadcaster and journalist Nick Caistor has interviewed a huge variety of those who have known Castro at different times in his life, and who range from bitter opponents to his staunchest allies. Their stories and opinions in this book enliven the debate about the Cuban leader’s choices, strengths and weaknesses.

Famous as the birthplace of tango, Argentina has known spectacular prosperity and devastating crises. Once the export powerhouse of Latin America, the country has suffered a cycle of military repression and economic mismangement. But despite wasted potential, Argentina remains one of the region''s most dynamic countries, rich in natural resources and cultural expression. From cosmopolitan Buenos Aires to remote Patagonia, Argentina is a country of unexpected contrasts.Argentina in Focus is an authoritative and up-to-date guide to this fascinating country. It explores:- The culture: the rise of tango; Maradona and football; the cult of Eva Peron; the gauchos - Argetina''s cowboys; vibrant Buenos Aires.- The politics: the legacy of Peronism and military rule; human rights controversies; the Falklands issue; the career of President Menem.- The economy: the riches of the pampas; the lessons of privatisation; the hyper-inflation nightmare; poverty among wealth.- The society: Buenos Aires versus the provinces; indigenous Argentines; the impact of immigration; women in society.Argentina in Focus is the sixth in a series of guides, covering the countries of South and Central America and the Caribbean. It contains maps, photos, facts and figures as well as practical suggestions on where to go and what to see.

With the sudden flight of its decade-long dictator Alberto Fujimori in 2001 and the apprehension of his eminence grise Vladimiro Montesinos, Peru has in recent years experienced one of the most dramatic turnarounds of any Latin American country. Picking Up the Pieces: Corruption and Democracy in Peru looks at how Peruvians have reconstituted democracy in their country after a decade of the most mysterious and secretive political regimes ever to rule in the region.In the wake of the 2006 elections, which returned former president Alan Garcia to power, this work examines the role of multinationals, the judiciary, civil society and new political movements to show how Peru is reconstituting itself out of the vacuum left by flagrant corruption and authoritarianism. A concise examination and powerful indictment of corruption in Latin America as a whole, Picking Up the Pieces is also a definitive book on contemporary Peruvian politics.

Once a byword for military repression and human rights abuses, Chile''s image is now that of a dynamic success story. The "Chilean Miracle", based on radical free-market reform and export-led growth, has been presented as a model for all developing countries. Yet this transition has also created its own social problems, challenging the traditional values with the advent of extreme materialism. Famed for its landscapes which range from glaciers to deserts, Chile is also home to a cultural life, exemplified by writers such as Pablo Neruda and Ariel Dorfman. Music, cinema and handicrafts reflect the country''s artistic diversity as well as its mixed ethnic traditions. This book is part of a series aimed at students and independent travellers.