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.
9Lives
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! No more hassle with converting files – ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks.
PixelPilgrim
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Doz
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. 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!
Heaven Sent
I've been recommending this app to all my friends – it's a true game-changer. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. 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!
Teeder
The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Morbid Sugar
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best!
CuriousCoder
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension.
Mr. Alien
ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day! An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
MindfulMingle
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Badger the Burglar
ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Doz
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments – I'm forever grateful. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use.
Delicious Wing
Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
InsightInkwell
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Snapple Whistler
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. 📚✨ ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Snow Pharaoh
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
White Snare
The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise.
Rocky Highway
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
Street Squirrel
No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration.
Jetta Talent
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
Sylvester Eye
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
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