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.
Gentle Avenger
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Legacy
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
Burn
I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Deano
🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
Referee
This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used.
Vermilion
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Insane SweepKick
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. 📱 Carrying my library in my pocket – this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! 📚👜 ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Glyph
ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Spunky Comet
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a game-changer. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
NightWonka
As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. 🌟🎧 ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Pocket Mazda
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
IceDog
This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
ByteBard
Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. 📱📖
CosPlatoon
I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. 📱🔊 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
Cricket
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. 🌟 Reading has never been this easy – this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. 📚💫 ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Thrasher
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. 🚶♀️📱 I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. 🏞️📚
Third Moon
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
Fuzzy Claws
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
Sky Bully
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! ListenBook’s design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
WittyWordsmith
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
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