Book description
‘A darkly entertaining tale about American espionage, set in an era when Washington’s fear and skepticism about the agency resembles our climate today.’—New York TimesAt the end of World War II, the United States dominated the world militarily, economically, and in moral standing—seen as the victor over tyranny and a champion of freedom. But it was clear—to some—that the Soviet Union was already executing a plan to expand and foment revolution around the world. The American government’s strategy in response relied on the secret efforts of a newly-formed CIA. The Quiet Americans chronicles the exploits of four spies—Michael Burke, a charming former football star fallen on hard times, Frank Wisner, the scion of a wealthy Southern family, Peter Sichel, a sophisticated German Jew who escaped the Nazis, and Edward Lansdale, a brilliant ad executive. The four ran covert operations across the globe, trying to outwit the ruthless KGB in Berlin, parachuting commandos into Eastern Europe, plotting coups, and directing wars against Communist insurgents in Asia. But time and again their efforts went awry, thwarted by a combination of stupidity and ideological rigidity at the highest levels of the government—and more profoundly, the decision to abandon American ideals. By the mid-1950s, the Soviet Union had a stranglehold on Eastern Europe, the US had begun its disastrous intervention in Vietnam, and America, the beacon of democracy, was overthrowing democratically elected governments and earning the hatred of much of the world. All of this culminated in an act of betrayal and cowardice that would lock the Cold War into place for decades to come.Anderson brings to the telling of this story all the narrative brio, deep research, sceptical eye, and lively prose that made Lawrence in Arabia a major international bestseller. The intertwined lives of these men began in a common purpose of defending freedom, but the ravages of the Cold War led them to different fates. Two would quit the CIA in despair, stricken by the moral compromises they had to make; one became the archetype of the duplicitous and destructive American spy; and one would be so heartbroken he would take his own life.Scott Anderson’s The Quiet Americans is the story of these four men. It is also the story of how the United States, at the very pinnacle of its power, managed to permanently damage its moral standing in the world.
Squatch
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds.
Criss Cross
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Wild Kitten
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. 🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊
Shooter
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Eerie Mizzen
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚
Domino
The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side.
Sassy Muffin
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind.
Nightmare King
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
Sloth
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a true marvel. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
Die Slice
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams!
Mr. Alien
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is impressive.
Blister
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a true marvel. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Pinup Diva
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. 🎶📚 My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. 🎧🎶 Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Metal Star
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks!
Toxic-oxide
Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Princess Dove
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
K-Tin Man
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. 🏝️🎧 Escaping to paradise with a beach read – this app is my vacation in audio form! 🏖️📖 The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions.
FRMhndshk
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files!
Highway
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Scratch
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is truly impressive. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
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