Book description
Despite 21st-century fears of a modern 'epidemic' of loneliness, its history has been sorely neglected. A Biography of Loneliness is the first history of its kind to be published in English, offering a radically new interpretation of loneliness as an emotional language and experience. Using letters and diaries, philosophical tracts, political discussions, and medical literature from the eighteenth century to the present, historian of the emotions Fay Bound Alberti argues that loneliness is not an ahistorical, universal phenomenon. It is, in fact, a modern emotion: before 1800, its language did not exist. As Alberti shows, the birth of loneliness is linked to the development of modernity: the all-encompassing ideology of the individual that has emerged in the mind and physical sciences, in economic structures, in philosophy and politics. While it has a biography of its own, loneliness impacts on people differently, according to their gender, ethnicity, religion, outlook, and socio-economic position. It is, Alberti argues, not a single state but an 'emotion cluster', composed of a wide variety of responses that include fear, anger, resentment and sorrow. In spite of this, loneliness is not always negative. And it is physical as well as psychological: loneliness is a product of the body as much as the mind. Looking at informative case studies such as Sylvia Plath, Queen Victoria, and Virginia Woolf, A Biography of Loneliness charts the emergence of loneliness as a modern emotional state. From social media addiction to widowhood, from homelessness to the oldest old, from mall hauls to massages, loneliness appears in all aspects of 21st-century life. Yet we cannot address its meanings, let alone formulate a cure, without attention to its complex, protean history.
Most Wanted
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Thunder Nut
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
Lincoln Rider
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer.
Boost Princess
Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnβt call it unforgettable. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Emerald Vine
Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Mosquit-No
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. βοΈ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! π§Ήπ° Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Sir Shove
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Eye Candy Kitten
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
Cowboy Booter
This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer.
Manly Reno
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer β I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app.
Sleek Zelda
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Lady In Red
πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Mum Mary
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app!
Carrot Joker
ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion.
Orange Teflon
ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again β it's a must-have. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
MindfulMingle
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
Round Kick Boomer
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯ Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Coma Stalk
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
BlackExcalibur
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Steel Solstice
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience