Draws from records made available since the collapse of the Soviet Union to reexamine the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, revealing just how close the United States came to engaging in nuclear war.

The embrace -- Where does Castro stand regarding Russia? -- Our man in Havana -- La Coubre -- Cuba, si, Yankee, no! -- The clash -- Bay of Pigs -- The education of a president -- Condor and Mongoose -- Trouble in the tropics -- The nuclear decision -- Anadyr -- Now we can swat your ass -- Ex comm -- Missile crisis -- Climax of the Cold War -- Mikoyan's mission -- The aftermath -- To the American University speech -- Dallas and Moscow.