Book description
Imagine stepping into the golden age of science fiction through the voices of its architects. Alec Nevala-Lee's Astounding-now brilliantly realized as an audiobook-unfolds like a masterclass in literary history, bringing to life the explosive partnership between editor John W. Campbell and the titans who reshaped the genre: Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, and L. Ron Hubbard. As George R.R. Martin calls it, this is "amazing and engrossing," and the audiobook format makes it utterly immersive. You'll hear Campbell's quiet authority as he shepherded Astounding Science Fiction from Depression-era pulp to cultural force, discovering Asimov, launching Heinlein's classics like Starship Troopers, and even unknowingly nurturing Hubbard's later path.
The audiobook shines in its human scale. You'll feel the weight of Campbell's letters, hear the friction between friends as Hubbard's rise with Scientology collided with Asimov's disbelief-capturing the moment Asimov observed, "no movement can have two Messiahs." Nevala-Lee doesn't shy from the era's contradictions, spotlighting how women like Campbell's wife DoΓ±a and Heinlein's wife Leslyn quietly shaped the scene, their contributions long ignored. The narration guides you through WWII's shadow, the dawn of the atomic age, and the tragic rift that ended the golden age, all while weaving in fresh archival discoveries that reshape our understanding.
What elevates this beyond typical history is its clarity. The audiobook cuts through complexity with crisp storytelling: Campbell's editorial genius, Asimov's unprecedented productivity, Heinlein's boundary-pushing novels-each thread woven into a tapestry of how science fiction became a lens for our future. The Washington Post praised it as "a clarion call to enlarge American literary history," and the audiobook delivers that call with effortless grace. You'll hear not just facts, but the tension of creative rivalry, the urgency of wartime innovation, and the quiet courage of overlooked figures.
Most importantly, it confronts the genre's flaws head-on-addressing the lack of racial and gender diversity in its early decades without losing sight of its transformative power. As the Wall Street Journal noted, this is "engrossing, well-researched" history that matters. The audiobook's pacing mirrors the narrative's sweep, making decades of cultural upheaval feel immediate, personal. You'll finish not just informed, but stirred-a reminder that the stories we tell about humanity's future began with a small group of writers in a Brooklyn office, guided by a visionary editor whose shadow still stretches across our screens and imaginations. For any sci-fi fan, this is the definitive journey back to where it all began.
Show Off
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Hitch Frenzy
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Risen
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Gunhawk
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
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Joker's Grin
ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Microwave
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Magenta
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VisionVoyager
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ZenaCake
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. The interface is sleek and modern. Itβs a joy to use.
Swedish Pixie
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching.
Howitzer Rise
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ πͺ Achieving double wins β workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! πͺπ§
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