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.
Winter Bite
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide.
PixelPathfinder
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Referee
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. 📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱
Miss Rum Punch
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is a true winner. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Marshmallow Treat
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. 🎉 Rekindling my love for reading – this app makes each day a new adventure! 📖🚀 Savoring audiobooks without fuss – this app's design is impressive. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment.
Knuckles
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. 📱🔊
Runway Darling
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. 💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control.
Dr. WMD
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. 🛌 Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. 🌙📚 Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. 🌟📚
RiddleRover
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. 👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Landfill Max
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere – it's a reader's dream come true. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Trash Master
I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons.
Pitfall Whiskers
Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Bitmap
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. 🏡 Making house chores more enjoyable – audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. 🏠📚 Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
Bombay Shivers
The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
Prone
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Jungle King
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. 💼 Merging work and pleasure – audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! 💻🎧 ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Copilot
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail.
Terror Master
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
Pink C
ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Pixy Mox
Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
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