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.
Freeze Queen
🏝️🎧 Packing for vacation just got better – this app is my getaway entertainment! 🌴📖 🧘♂️ Finding zen through storytelling – this app makes meditation even more calming. 🧘♂️🎧 ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Necromancer
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Freeway
🏡 Making house chores more enjoyable – audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. 🏠📚 The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Stick Shift
ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
RiddleRanger
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze.
CosPlatoon
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle.
Buckshot
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have!
Undergrad
🚗📖 On-the-go listening has never been smoother – this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. 🚗📚 From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! 🌟📚
London Fox
Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧 The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
WanderWord
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. 🌟🎧
Eerie
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. 💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️ Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension.
Don Stab
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time.
Hyper Kong
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience.
Mrs. Voltage
🚗📖 Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration – this app keeps me engaged on the road! 🚗🎧 Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes.
Grabber
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. 🚗 Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! 🚗📚 The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it! Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Campfire Mama
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically.
Goldman
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. 🎶 Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators – audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. 🎵📚 📱 Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward – this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. 📚💫 Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection.
ForumFlare
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation.
Iron Jesus
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. 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. 📱🔊 This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Intimidation Station
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. 🚶♂️🌟 Staying entertained during leisurely walks – audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! 🚶♂️🎧 🏝️🎧 Escaping to paradise with a beach read – this app is my vacation in audio form! 🏖️📖 Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is commendable. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs.
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