Book description
Beatrice's Last Smile interweaves vivid portraits of such individuals to offer a sweeping and immersive story. Some are of enduring renown -- Augustine, Muhammad, Charlemagne, Heloise --and others are obscure. An Egyptian youth fighting demons in the desert as the first monk; a Briton becomes a holy man after enslavement in Ireland; an emperor in Constantinople watches as rioters torch the city; a old Syrian monk advises the English on sex; the soul of a Merovingian noble flies through the night sky to heaven; an Irish warrior surfs the waves like a dolphin as he flees the Vikings; a crusader's boots squelch with blood on the streets of Jerusalem; a troubadour sings of love; a Muslim lord expresses admiration of the Templars; a pope proclaims that Christendom encompasses all time and space; a barefoot Franciscan friar visits the Great Khan of the Mongols; a Parisian rabbi argues for the holiness of the Talmud; and a poet laments being alive amid the horror of the Black Death. Together, they take readers from the vastness of the Roman Empire to small communities between the Mediterranean and the North Sea, from the nomads of the Asian steppes to the triumphant Church of Latin Christendom. Beatrice's Last Smile offers a pulsating history of the West: the passionate belief in the old gods that yields to a cosmos shaped by one; the transition from a penitential culture to a confessional one; the universal obsession with imitating Christ. The book is named for the moment in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy when his long-dead love, Beatrice, smiles one final time at Dante in paradise before turning away to look eternally upon the face of God. Mark Gregory Pegg's epic narrative captures a millennium within that fleeting smile, in ways that modern readers will find illuminating and haunting.
LunaStar
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! 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!
Green Scavenger
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Wheels
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Sienna Princess
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading.
Pecan Oblivion
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Sass Burst
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
Flame OUT
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³
Po1son
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Twinkle Cutlass
This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is remarkable. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Turnip King
Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Upper D3ckR
Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
Reed Lady
π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner.
Bambi Benz
This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a winner. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience.
Woodland Beauty
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control.
Blizzard Vixen
Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues!
Spooky Yellowjacket
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time. One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Midnight Rider
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Kill Switch
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. βοΈ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ππ The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Cumulo
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Golden Cougar
π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ β° Waking up to audiobooks β mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! βοΈπ§ Effortlessly exploring new worlds β this app's design is user-centric and efficient. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
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