The Disenchanted Island is a comprehensive analysis of the political, economic, and military relationships between the United States and Puerto Rico in the twentieth century. To a large extent this work is based on U.S. government documents, including the archives of seven presidential libraries--material neglected in previous studies. Fernandez presents a backstage study of what officials of the United States and Puerto Rico have actually said and done in the course of their long relationship, contrasting this with official public statements and postures. These contrasts are striking and make for a fascinating study of America's "permanent possession." This work will be of interest to scholars and lay-readers alike concerned with the Puerto Rican question.