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.
Mr. Spy
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream – simple and efficient. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient.
Freeway
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Spider Fuji
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is a true winner.
Bad Beret
This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch.
Doughboy, Esq
No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. 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!
ShadowFax
🎧 Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly – this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. 📚🌟 Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is commendable. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Chocolate Thunder
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! 👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧 💼 Juggling tasks while exploring narratives – this app is my multitasking hero! 💻📖 A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Vixen
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Zod
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Ship Whip
🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖 The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Miss Fix It
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app! Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Hog Butcher
🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑 The app is lightweight and doesn’t drain my battery. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
RightN0w2
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic – what a win! ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
MythMaker
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly.
Mr. Lucky
With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Wild Kitten
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options.
Midnight Rider
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together.
Preach Man
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Blade
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚 The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze.
Roadblock
This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. 💪 Crushing workouts while devouring books – this app makes fitness fun and educational! 🏋️♀️🎉 🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑
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