Book description
A groundbreaking journey tracing America's forgotten path to global power―and how its legacies shape our world today―told through the extraordinary life of a complicated Marine. "Far more extraordinary than even the life of Smedley Butler."―The Washington Post Smedley Butler was the most celebrated warfighter of his time. Bestselling books were written about him. Hollywood adored him. Wherever the flag went, "The Fighting Quaker" went--serving in nearly every major overseas conflict from the Spanish War of 1898 until the eve of World War II. From his first days as a 16-year-old recruit at the newly seized Guantánamo Bay, he blazed a path for empire: helping annex the Philippines and the land for the Panama Canal, leading troops in China (twice), and helping invade and occupy Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Mexico, and more. Yet in retirement, Butler turned into a warrior against war, imperialism, and big business, declaring: "I was a racketeer for capitalism." Award-winning author Jonathan Myerson Katz traveled across the world--from China to Guantánamo, the mountains of Haiti to the Panama Canal--and pored over the personal letters of Butler, his fellow Marines, and his Quaker family on Philadelphia's Main Line. Along the way, Katz shows how the consequences of the Marines' actions are still very much alive: talking politics with a Sandinista commander in Nicaragua, getting a martial arts lesson from a devotee of the Boxer Rebellion in China, and getting cast as a P.O.W. extra in a Filipino movie about their American War. Tracing a path from the first wave of U.S. overseas expansionism to the rise of fascism in the 1930s to the crises of democracy in our own time, Gangsters of Capitalism tells an urgent story about a formative era most Americans have never learned about, but that the rest of the world cannot forget.
Onion King
This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Golden Cougar
The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing. I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
9Lives
ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. 🚶♂️🌟 Staying entertained during leisurely walks – audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! 🚶♂️🎧 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
Nessie
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. 🎉📚
Screwtape
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. 📱🔊
Spit Turanga
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. I can't imagine my life without this app – it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
Uncle Buddy
Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. 📱🎧
NoiseFire
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Blizzard Vixen
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
High Woo
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. This app is my travel companion – making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is truly impressive. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Mammoth 2
🏝️🎧 Packing for vacation just got better – this app is my getaway entertainment! 🌴📖 🚶♀️📖 Discovering new worlds on my daily walks – this app is my travel companion! 🌍🎧 ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Most Wanted
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧 ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style.
Whip 2T
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze.
Unleashed
Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Wildcat Appaloosa
🏡 Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background – talk about productivity! 🧼📖 Audiobook excellence simplified – this app's functionality is a true delight.
Admiral Tot
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Jetta Talent
👩🍳 Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories – this app adds flavor to my meals! 🍳🎧 ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
The Belgian
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Buckshot
Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is a game-changer. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
ThoughtTrailblazer
Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience