Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba
Book description
In this widely hailed book, NPR correspondent Tom Gjelten fuses the story of the Bacardi family and their famous rum business with Cuba's tumultuous experience over the last 150 years to produce a deeply entertaining historical narrative. The company Facundo Bacardi launched in Cuba in 1862 brought worldwide fame to…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I love how Gjelten made me reconsider the ways histories of alcohol and nations were intertwined.
With his study of a rum company that survived the transition from capitalism to communism, the journalist Tom Gjelten observes that Bacardi rum executives advanced legislation designed to undermine their competitors and ultimately forged a brand that shaped Cubans’ and foreigners’ perceptions of the island.
This political and cultural history of Bacardi reveals alcohol’s integral role in forging newly independent nations. More specifically, Gjelten demonstrates how alcohol companies shaped nations.
This study made me think about how types of alcohol—like rum in Cuba,…
From David's list on alcohol in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Foreign ventures, typically U.S.-owned, dominated Cuba’s pre-1959 economy. They often gouged Cuban consumers, mistreated Cuban employees, meddled in politics, and supported dictators. The Bacardí Company, by contrast, was an innovative, well-run, and homegrown success story that relied on Cuban capital and expertise. The company also looked after its workers, offering retirement and sick pay, and an eight-hour workday before being legally obliged. In addition, Bacardí provided housing loans and profit-sharing options. Bacardí executives were noted for their honesty and competence. For this reason, Bacardí Chairman Pepín Bosch was recruited by President Carlos Prío to serve as his treasury minister.
From Ilan's list on biographies peeking into the lives of Cuban people.
Want books like Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba?
Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba.
Browse books like Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in Cuba, Latin America, and Fidel Castro?
10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about Cuba, Latin America, and Fidel Castro.