Book description
A prize-winning Belgian poet explores the nature of creative endeavor--the godlike ambition, the crushing defeat of failure--through the stories of thirteen tragic architects. In thirteen fascinating chapters, Charlotte Van den Broeck goes in search of buildings that were fatal to their architects--architects who either killed themselves or are rumored to have done so. They range across time and space from a church with a twisted spire in seventeenth-century France to a theater that collapsed mid-performance in 1920s Washington, DC, and an eerily sinking swimming pool in the author's hometown. Drawing on a vast range of material, from Hegel and Darwin to art history, stories from her own life, and popular culture, Van den Broeck brings patterns into focus as she asks, What is that strange, life-or-death connection between a creation and its creator? Threaded through each story is the author's meditation on the question of suicide--what Albert Camus called the "one truly serious philosophical problem"--in relation to creativity and public disgrace. The result is a profoundly idiosyncratic book, breaking ground in literary nonfiction, as well as providing solace and consolation to anyone who has ever attempted a creative act.
WittyWordsmith
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch.
Cinder Coffee
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Black Hole Necromancer
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Viceswerve
I can't believe how much more productive I am β I'm learning and growing while multitasking! Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive.
RiddleRover
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Shooter
This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Sneaky Lady
I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Gr8 Flick
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Miss Lucky
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features.
Venious
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Kimono Goddess
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Casanova
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it! With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment.
MeeP
The app's stability is impressive β it runs smoothly without any glitches. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it! Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient.
Spider Fuji
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
PixelPathfinder
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘
Daffy Neo
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently.
JesterZilla
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
Cuff Queen
ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. ππ Reigniting my passion for books β this app is my newfound reading obsession! π₯π§ Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Classy Luck
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Speedwell
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight.
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