In 1957, Herbert L. Matthews of the New York Times, then considered one of the premiere foreign correspondents of his time, tracked down Fidel Castro in Cuba's Sierra Maestra mountains and returned with what was considered the scoop of the century. His heroic portrayal of Castro, who was then believed dead, had a powerful effect on American perceptions of Cuba, both in and out of the government, and profoundly influenced the fall of the Batista regime.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 289-299) and index.

Could anything be madder? --Message from the mountains -- Real soldiers of fortune -- Dawn in the Sierra -- Impenetrable fastnesses -- A chapter in a fantastic novel -- The best friend of the Cuban people -- Decisive battles -- You can fool some of the people -- All out of step but one -- Dark days -- Naming names -- Faithful adherence -- A cordial witness -- A good fight.