Transcribed from actual tapes made at the Oval Office--and enhanced by the commentary of historians May and Zelikow--the dramatic events of the Cuban Missile Crisis unfold in the actual words of President John F. Kennedy and his top advisers. Now available in a new, concise edition, this book retains its gripping sense of history in the making. 20 photos.

" A] splendid achievement, as powerful and exciting a book as one is likely to read this year...."--Barry Gewen, New York Times Book Review

"Gripping history."--Richard J. Tofel, Wall Street Journal

" M]esmerizing. I was utterly fascinated....the best, fullest account of crisis yet and will remain so for decades to come."--Stephen E. Ambrose

" A]s close as most people will ever get to being a fly on the wall during the discussions of leaders."--Los Angeles Times Sunday Book Review, James G. Blight