The Spanish American War of 1898-1900 is almost forgotten now, but it had a profound effect on world political geography, removing the last vestiges of the Spanish Empire from the maps of the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. The event that sparked the war was the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor, an act that was put down to sabotage at the time, but which on later investigation could have been caused by an accidental explosion. In any case, it gave the U.S. and excuse to invade both Cuba and the Philippines, and to conduct short, savage campaigns against the Spanish forces in both. Teddy Roosevelt became famous through his leadership of the Rough Riders, and a score of other players received their first taste of war. This book, by historian Michael Blow, is a highly readable account of the events of that time, using numerous eyewitness accounts of the actions. This 1992 hardcover is in very good condition, with no internal markings and a dust jacket with nominal wear.