"Although both historians have produced previous books on US-Central American relations, they have approached the subject from distinct perspectives and utilized different methodologies. In this study, they attempt to create a richer analysis by combining their respective strengths to examine a neglected topic" -- CJLACS

"A valuable addition to the bookshelf of scholars, tourists, or volunteers who wish to understand the economic and political forces and North and Central American actors that created the regions banana republics." -- Historical Geographer

"Recounts incredible stories within the framework of social imperialism and dependency theory." -- Latin American Research Review

"The heart of the book is an engaging and fascinating narrative of the entrepreneurs and mercenaries who 'ravished' Central America between 1880 and 1930. Langley and Schoonover captured the spirit of the age and the personalities of those who walked across it by letting their characters speak for themselves and including descriptive passages in their traditional narrative." -- The Americas

"An important addition to the literature of the United States' intervention in Latin America during the period after 1880." -- Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science