The Life and Times of America's Banana King

The Leonard Lopate Show | Jun 8, 2012

Rich Cohen tells the story of Samuel Zemurray, who arrived in America in 1891, penniless, and became one of the richest, most powerful men in the world. The Fish that Ate the Whale: The Life and Times of America's Banana King unveils Zemurray as a hidden kingmaker and capitalist revolutionary, connected to the birth of modern American diplomacy, public relations, business, and war.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

The World Cup, the Knicks, and LeBron James’s Fate: An All-Time Summer in Sports

The staff writer Louisa Thomas on the U.S. men’s national soccer team, the N.B.A. off-season, and Serena Williams.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

The near-collapsed Midtown building is now stable, but its finances may not be

Experts say the structural failure at the Pfizer Building could cause financial problems and a lingering stigma — but that the city’s housing shortage means renters will probably move in anyway.
Gothamist |

NYC DSA on Their Big Wins, and the Future

NYC-DSA co-chairs Grace Mausser and Gustavo Gordillo talk about the DSA's recent big wins.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Get Lit: Laila Lalami's 'The Dream Hotel,' and Imal Gnawa Performs

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE