Always a Reckoning and Other Poems; Illustrated by Sarah Elizabeth Chuldenko

New York: Times Books, 1995. First Edition / Later Printing. Hardcover. Fine/near fine. The first edition of Always a Reckoning by Jimmy Carter, inscribed to Foreign Service officer Wayne Smith, an outspoken critic of the U.S. Embargo on Cuba.. Small octavo, xi, 130pp. White hardcover, white cloth spine, title in silver on spine, author's name stamped on front panel. Stated "first edition," with an appropriate number line on the copyright page. In the publisher's first state dust jacket, $18.00 on front flap, light sunning to spine, a near fine example. Signed on the front free endpaper: "Best Wishes to Wayne Smith, my great friend - Jimmy Carter. 12/94." (truncated) Wayne Smith (1932-2024) was a U.S. diplomat and expert on Latin American affairs, best known for his opposition to U.S. policy toward Cuba. When the United States broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba on January 3, 1961, Smith was one of the last to leave the embassy by ferry to Key West. He spent the remainder of his career in government and academia advocating for a return to diplomatic relations with Cuba. Serving in the U.S. Foreign Service for 25 years, including a position as the Chief of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana from 1979 to 1982, Smith became a prominent critic of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, arguing that it was counterproductive to both nations’ interests. During the Carter Administration, Smith was Director of Cuban Affairs at the State Department and later appointed the Chief of Mission in Havana, serving from 1979-1982, before resigning due to policy disagreements with the Reagan administration. (Inventory #: 16521)