Book description
An Economist Best History Book 2017 "History as it should be written."--Barry Cunliffe, Guardian "Scott hits the nail squarely on the head by exposing the staggering price our ancestors paid for civilization and political order."--Walter Scheidel, Financial Times Why did humans abandon hunting and gathering for sedentary communities dependent on livestock and cereal grains, and governed by precursors of today's states? Most people believe that plant and animal domestication allowed humans, finally, to settle down and form agricultural villages, towns, and states, which made possible civilization, law, public order, and a presumably secure way of living. But archaeological and historical evidence challenges this narrative. The first agrarian states, says James C. Scott, were born of accumulations of domestications: first fire, then plants, livestock, subjects of the state, captives, and finally women in the patriarchal family--all of which can be viewed as a way of gaining control over reproduction. Scott explores why we avoided sedentism and plow agriculture, the advantages of mobile subsistence, the unforeseeable disease epidemics arising from crowding plants, animals, and grain, and why all early states are based on millets and cereal grains and unfree labor. He also discusses the "barbarians" who long evaded state control, as a way of understanding continuing tension between states and nonsubject peoples.
RiddleRover
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Heavenly Connection
ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience.
Kamikaze Granny
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient!
Troubadour
I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
Fire Fish
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. 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.
Sky
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers.
QuestWeaver
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Kimono Goddess
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable. The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
Petite Flurry
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Silent
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§ The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions!
Risen
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives.
Mrs. Voltage
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
JesterZilla
Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Cooger
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
Goatee Shield
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! CUE playlist support is a fantastic addition. It helps me organize my audiobooks effortlessly.
Jetta Talent
I'm no longer missing out on great stories β this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities.
Roadblock
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
Freesia
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments. This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities.
Sugar Hiccup
This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments.
Atomic Blastoid
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
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