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.
Risen
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension.
Kamikaze Granny
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. 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.
Chlorine
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Flash Protein
Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. 📱🔊 ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word.
Ember Rope
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Mad Kid
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Carrot Joker
This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Slow Trot
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
ThoughtTrail
I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
Saturnalia
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌
Arsenic Coo
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again – it's a must-have app. 🧘♂️ Finding zen through storytelling – this app makes meditation even more calming. 🧘♂️🎧 🎉 The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. 📱🎧 The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
Rusty Vortex
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution!
Black Firefly
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized.
Crumb Cake
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection – it's a parenting win! I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
Saturnalia
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Pinball Esq
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. 🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Skittle Mine
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
FireBrang
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. 💼 Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! 💻📖 I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Fire Queen
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Betty Cricket
📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged.
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