Book description
Solitude has always had an ambivalent status: the capacity to enjoy being alone can make sociability bearable, but those predisposed to solitude are often viewed with suspicion or pity. Drawing on a wide array of literary and historical sources, David Vincent explores how people have conducted themselves in the absence of company over the last three centuries. He argues that the ambivalent nature of solitude became a prominent concern in the modern era. For intellectuals in the romantic age, solitude gave respite to citizens living in ever more complex modern societies. But while the search for solitude was seen as a symptom of modern life, it was also viewed as a dangerous pathology: a perceived renunciation of the world, which could lead to psychological disorder and anti-social behaviour. Vincent explores the successive attempts of religious authorities and political institutions to manage solitude, taking readers from the monastery to the prisoner's cell, and explains how western society's increasing secularism, urbanization and prosperity led to the development of new solitary pastimes at the same time as it made traditional forms of solitary communion, with God and with a pristine nature, impossible. At the dawn of the digital age, solitude has taken on new meanings, as physical isolation and intense sociability have become possible as never before. With the advent of a so-called loneliness epidemic, a proper historical understanding of the natural human desire to disengage from the world is more important than ever. The first full-length account of its subject, A History of Solitude will appeal to a wide general readership.
Low Menace
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Admiral Tot
Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
RZR
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. π Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey β thank you, this app! β¨π Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze.
Chicago Blackout
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Journeyman
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle β this app's design is a win. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Gothic Slacker
πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is remarkable. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Trouble Mittens
Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze β thank you, app developers! ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer!
Shimmy Shammy
This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
ZenaCake
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable.
Mad Viral
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine.
Frosty
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ππ§ The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Kinged
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
FRMhndshk
The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
BoomerBox
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit.
Sw00sh
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Spoiler Betty
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Guillotine
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. ποΈ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn β I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ππ Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
Impulse
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey.
Bambi Benz
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§
Blistered Outlaw
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
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