Dive into the extraordinary true story of Sam Zemurray, the unlikely entrepreneur who took on the banana industry. 'The Fish That Ate the Whale' chronicles his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a titan of the trade, using cunning and a fierce determination. Rich Cohen paints a vivid portrait of a man who challenged powerful companies while navigating the heart of Central America. With an eye for adventure and a flair for the dramatic, this book reveals the complexities of capitalism and imperialism along with Zemurray's relentless spirit. Prepare to be captivated by a tale of ambition, risk, and the relentless pursuit of the American dream.
By Rich Cohen
Published: 2013
"In a world where the strong often dominate, it is the clever who rise to the top, proving that true ingenuity can outmaneuver sheer power."
Named a Best Book of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle and The Times-Picayune The fascinating untold tale of Samuel Zemurray, the self-made banana mogul who went from penniless roadside banana peddler to kingmaker and capitalist revolutionary When Samuel Zemurray arrived in America in 1891, he was tall, gangly, and penniless. When he died in the grandest house in New Orleans sixty-nine years later, he was among the richest, most powerful men in the world. Working his way up from a roadside fruit peddler to conquering the United Fruit Company, Zemurray became a symbol of the best and worst of the United States: proof that America is the land of opportunity, but also a classic example of the corporate pirate who treats foreign nations as the backdrop for his adventures. Zemurray lived one of the great untold stories of the last hundred years. Starting with nothing but a cart of freckled bananas, he built a sprawling empire of banana cowboys, mercenary soldiers, Honduran peasants, CIA agents, and American statesmen. From hustling on the docks of New Orleans to overthrowing Central American governments and precipitating the bloody thirty-six-year Guatemalan civil war, the Banana Man lived a monumental and sometimes dastardly life. Rich Cohen's brilliant historical profile The Fish That Ate the Whale unveils Zemurray as a hidden power broker, driven by an indomitable will to succeed.
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“In a world where the strong often dominate, it is the clever who rise to the top, proving that true ingenuity can outmaneuver sheer power.”
The Fish That Ate the Whale
By Rich Cohen
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Rich Cohen is an acclaimed American author and journalist known for his compelling narrative style and keen observations of American culture and history. He has written several notable works, including 'The Sweet and Lowdown,' 'A History of America in 10 Documents,' and 'The Fish That Ate the Whale: The Life and Times of America's Banana King.' Cohen's writing often blends personal anecdotes with broader historical insights, making his work both engaging and informative. His ability to weave together history, humor, and humanity has earned him recognition in both literary and journalistic circles.
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