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.
Winter Bite
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
ManManMan
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach.
Microwave Chardonnay
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Cinder Coffee
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime – I'm truly grateful. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Gbbledgoodk
ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Airport Hobo
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
StorySculptor
ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
FLAK Angel
🎙️ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt – what a game-changer! 🛒📚 Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Free Ham
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments – I'm forever grateful. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. 🌟📚
Tacklebox
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly.
Undergrad Split
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. 🚶♂️🌟 Staying entertained during leisurely walks – audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! 🚶♂️🎧
Snow Cream
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together.
Drop Stone
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout.
Lord Pistachio
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
FireBrang
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving.
Gold Dahlia
Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
Round Kick Boomer
I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Voodoo Queen
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! 🌟📚 Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
BuffFreak
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart.
Wings
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
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