Charles Britt, photographer and master scanner to the Karsh Estate, has recently digitized more Fidel Castro prints. Here's the story of Karsh's shoot with the Cuban leader.

"I arrived in Havana on the twenty-sixth of July, Cuba's national holiday, in time to hear this charismatic speaker address thousands of people in a rousing endorsement of the benefits of the Revolution. It was, for Castro, a short speech-two-and-a-half hours instead of his customary six. For the next three days, my companion and tour guide was Celia Sanchez, Cuba's wiry, energetic Secretary of State. From the three sites Ms. Sanchez offered for photography, I chose a simple ceremonial room, its stark walls and bookshelves suggesting a barracks, which turned out to be Castro's favorite office.

Not until an anxiety-filled hour before my scheduled departure did the Foreign Office confirm that Castro was ready. Dressed in army fatigues, looking grave and tired, Castro shook my hand warmly. Apologizing for the delay, he removed his belt and pistol and placed them beside him with a weary gesture. Our photographic session lasted three-and-a-half hours, punctuated by refreshments of Cuban rum and Coke and shared memories of the famous author and beloved former Cuban resident, Ernest Hemingway."

Fidel Castro, 1971 © Yousuf Karsh