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.
Shay
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Shadow Gal
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content.
Rocky Highway
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
WanderWord
ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist.
Darkside Isis
No more worries about compatibility β ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ π Embracing reading in the digital age β this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. π±π Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. π§π±
Geneva Cuffs
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations.
Daisy Stick
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go β it's my daily companion. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly.
New York Mood
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good! I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Cooger
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ππ I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Lewd Dice
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly.
Steel Solstice
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story!
Oblivion
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Twin Blaze
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere β it's a reader's dream come true. Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
WanderWord
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace. 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.
Dancing Madman
Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Frenzy
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
Sugar Apple
ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights β it's a true audio marvel. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization.
Red Heroine
This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Tornado Maker
Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is a triumph. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Pompeii Unicorn
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features.
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