This is fantastic. Includes transcripts of key meetings where top US policy makers and the military discuss the evolving situation in Cuba. Each chapter begins with a summary description of information that puts the deliberations into context or otherwise refers to the outcomes of meetings, world events etc that do not form part of the transcripts. This makes for a wonderful history of the crisis and provides much more than the transcripts alone.

That said, it is the opportunity to read exactly what was said and by whom that makes this book unique and truly fascinating. While reading it, I constantly tried to forget that I knew the outcome and to put myself in Kennedy's position, weighing up the often conflicting advice he was receiving.

Anyone wishing to learn about the history of the missile crisis or gain a detailed insight into top echelon decision making on national security in the US must read this brilliant book. ( )

A great read for anyone interested in JFK or the Cuban Missile Crisis. It allows the reader to see exactly what was said and how each member of his council and how JFK felt. A unique view into the Cuban Missile Crisis. The movie, "Thirteen Days" was based off of this book as well as other research. ( )