Thirteen Days (book)

Thirteen Days is a 1969 non-fiction book by Robert F. Kennedy, posthumously published, recounting the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962. The book provides a firsthand account of the crisis from the perspective of Robert Kennedy, who served as Attorney General during his brother John F. Kennedy's presidency.

The book details the intense political maneuvering, strategic deliberations, and personal tensions within the Kennedy administration as they grappled with the discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. It emphasizes the importance of careful diplomacy, the dangers of miscalculation, and the heavy responsibility borne by national leaders during times of extreme international crisis.

Thirteen Days covers the period from the initial intelligence reports indicating the presence of Soviet missiles to the eventual agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union for their removal. Robert Kennedy describes the various options considered by the National Security Council, the pressures exerted by the military establishment advocating for a more aggressive response, and the efforts to find a peaceful resolution through direct communication with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev.

The book is considered a valuable historical document offering insights into the decision-making processes during a pivotal moment in the Cold War. It highlights the roles of key figures such as President Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, and others involved in managing the crisis. The book’s narrative emphasizes the critical role of behind-the-scenes negotiations and the avoidance of military escalation, ultimately leading to a negotiated settlement.

Thirteen Days has been influential in shaping understanding of the Cuban Missile Crisis and continues to be studied in courses on history, political science, and international relations. A film adaptation of the book, also titled Thirteen Days, was released in 2000.