The Abyss: Nuclear Crisis Cuba 1962

The Abyss: Nuclear Crisis Cuba 1962

by Sir Max Hastings

4.6 (405)

4.6 stars from 405 reviews


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Fans of these authors will like this...

  • Doris Kearns Goodwin
  • Erik Larson
  • Anthony Doerr

Fans of these books will like this...

  • The Splendid and the Vile
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Perfect for you if...

  • You're drawn to history that feels like a thriller, where you know the ending but still grip your armrest wondering how we survived.
  • You want to understand what actually happened in those thirteen days beyond the sanitised textbook version—including what the Russians and Cubans were really thinking.
  • You've read Hastings before and trust his ability to turn archival research into a page-turning narrative.

Maybe not for you if...

  • You prefer your history in broad strokes without the granular detail of diplomatic cables and personality clashes.
  • You're looking for a short, quick overview rather than a substantial deep-dive into Cold War decision-making.
  • You need a feel-good read; this book is relentlessly tense and often unsettling.

About this book

Sir Max Hastings examines the Cuban Missile Crisis, the thirteen days in October 1962 when the world approached nuclear war. The account centers on key figures—President John F. Kennedy, Soviet First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev, and Cuban Prime Minister Fidel Castro—alongside their advisors, tracing events across Moscow, Washington, DC, and Havana. Hastings explores the attitudes and conduct of Russians, Cubans, and Americans during this Cold War crisis. The narrative incorporates perspectives from pilots, sailors, and ordinary citizens whose lives were affected by the standoff. The work examines the tactical and psychological maneuvering between the three leaders, the Cuban motivations and actions alongside those of Moscow and Washington, and the experiences of those caught in the potential conflict. The account also considers how the aftermath of the crisis continues to influence international relations in the twenty-first century.

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Free$11.74$23.49Feb '22Sep '23Dec '24Jun '26
$1.99$23.49

Currently on sale at $1.99 — 92% off peak. Price has dropped 9 times over the last 4 years. Goes on sale roughly every 107 days.

Sales Rank

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#356#723,373#1,446,389Feb '22Sep '23Sep '25Jun '26

Currently around #11K in the Kindle store — a steady mid-list seller. Sales have softened 48% recently.

Rating & Reviews

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4.0★4.5★5.0★May '23Jun '24Nov '24Mar '26RatingReviews

Currently 4.6★ from 405 reviews

Gaining approximately 7 new reviews per month. Rating has remained stable at 4.6 over the tracking period.

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Free$11.74$23.49Feb '22Sep '23Dec '24Jun '26PredictedJun '26

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This book is currently discounted at $1.99. It typically returns to around $23.49.

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Sir Max Hastings

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