"The Fish That Ate the Whale: The Life and Times of America's Banana King" by Rich Cohen is a biography of Samuel Zemurray, a Russian-born immigrant who became known as the "Banana King" of America. The book details Zemurray's rise from poverty to become the head of the United Fruit Company, one of the largest and most powerful companies of its time.
The book covers Zemurray's early life in Russia, his emigration to America, and his entry into the banana trade. It details the cunning and tenacity that he demonstrated in building his business, including his successful efforts to gain control of the United Fruit Company and make it the dominant player in the banana trade.
The book also explores the ways in which Zemurray and United Fruit influenced the politics and economies of countries in Central America, and the controversial methods that the company used to maintain its power. The book examines the impact that Zemurray and United Fruit had on American culture, including their role in shaping the image of the "banana republic" and the rise of the corporate conglomerate.
Overall, "The Fish That Ate the Whale" is a well-researched and engaging account of the life of one of America's most successful and influential entrepreneurs, and the legacy that he left behind.