Our Artist in Cuba

A lively travelogue captured in fifty on‑the‑spot wood engravings, this collection follows a curious artist’s first winter in Cuba. From the bustling steamship Columbia’s departure to the bright streets of Havana, each drawing records everyday moments—café conversations over chocolate, bustling markets, and the colorful chaos of masquerade balls—rendered with a witty, slightly exaggerated eye. The sketches double as visual diary entries, offering a vivid snapshot of 1860s island life, from horse‑drawn carriages and street vendors to the oddities of local customs.

Beyond the bustling plazas, the artist’s humor shines as he navigates the quirks of Cuban society: the flamboyant costumes of carnival, the spirited cock‑fights, and the peculiar habits of locals and travelers alike. These images, while playful, retain a surprising fidelity to the landscape and architecture, making the book both an entertaining parody and a valuable historical record of a bygone era. Listeners will feel as if they’re strolling beside the sketch‑book’s creator, sharing his astonishment and delight at every turn.