Book description
The remarkable (and occasionally ridiculous) stories of 48 nations that fell off the map. "Countries are just daft stories we tell each other. They're all equally implausible once you get up close." Countries die. Sometimes it's murder, sometimes it's by accident, and sometimes it's because they were so ludicrous they didn't deserve to exist in the first place. This is an atlas of 48 nations that fell off the map. Their causes of death range from the implausible (jerky prices) to the unfortunate (too evil) to the downright bizarre (the flip of a coin). The polite way of writing an obituary is: dwell on the good bits, gloss over the embarrassing stuff. This book refuses to do so, because these dead nations are so ridiculous that it's impossible to skip the embarrassing stuff. โ
"This book is a sparkling gem."--Booklist (Starred Review) "Perfect for fans of Atlas Obscura."--Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Gideon Defoe is the author of The Pirates! book series and wrote the screenplay for the Oscar nominated Aardman film The Pirates in an Adventure with Scientists. He has written about how animals have sex and penned a computer game tie-in novel for Gollancz. He does film development work with Locksmith Animation and Studio Canal, and is developing a sitcom with BBC studios.
Ginger Chaos
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Accidental Genius
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have! The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
Solo Kill
Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ๐๐ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have! This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
New York Winder
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
FrankenGrin
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StorySculptor
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StarStrider
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RiddleRanger
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Star Scratch
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Potato Sub
Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Dr. Jam Man
Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Referee
ListenBook is a game-changer โ it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion.
JigKraken
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The Belgian
Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ๐๐ I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itโs so easy. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Renegade Slugger
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources.
DeathDancer
This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Lord Theus
๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youโre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Chocolate Thunder
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library โ this app's design is a triumph. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve 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!
Chocolate Thunder
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle โ I can enjoy books while doing chores! ๐ฅ Simplifying my reading routine โ the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ๐๐ Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
CuriousCoder
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. Audiobooks on the go โ this app's design prioritizes convenience. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorโs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
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