The Fish That Ate the Whale

In "The Fish That Ate the Whale," Rich Cohen explores the remarkable life of Samuel Zemurray, the self-made banana mogul who rose from a penniless immigrant to one of the world's wealthiest men. Zemurray's journey—from selling bananas on the streets of New Orleans to dominating the United Fruit Company—illustrates the complexities of American capitalism and its impact on foreign nations. This biography reveals Zemurray as a significant yet controversial figure, intricately woven into the fabric of history through his dealings with mercenaries, politicians, and the often tumultuous events in Central America.