Book description
Traditional accounts of the making of the modern world afford a place of primacy to European history. Some credit the fifteenth-century Age of Discovery and the maritime connection it established between West and East; others the accidental unearthing of the "New World." Still others point to the development of the scientific method, or the spread of Judeo-Christian beliefs; and so on, ad infinitum. The history of Africa, by contrast, has long been relegated to the remote outskirts of our global story. What if, instead, we put Africa and Africans at the very center of our thinking about the origins of modernity?In a sweeping narrative spanning more than six centuries, Howard W. French does just that, for Born in Blackness vitally reframes the story of medieval and emerging Africa, demonstrating how the economic ascendancy of Europe, the anchoring of democracy in the West, and the fulfillment of so-called Enlightenment ideals all grew out of Europe's dehumanizing engagement with the "dark" continent. In fact, French reveals, the first impetus for the Age of Discovery was not--as we are so often told, even today--Europe's yearning for ties with Asia, but rather its centuries-old desire to forge a trade in gold with legendarily rich Black societies sequestered away in the heart of West Africa.Creating a historical narrative that begins with the commencement of commercial relations between Portugal and Africa in the fifteenth century and ends with the onset of World War II, Born in Blackness interweaves precise historical detail with poignant, personal reportage. In so doing, it dramatically retrieves the lives of major African historical figures, from the unimaginably rich medieval emperors who traded with the Near East and beyond, to the Kongo sovereigns who heroically battled seventeenth-century European powers, to the ex-slaves who liberated Haitians from bondage and profoundly altered the course of American history.While French cogently demonstrates the centrality of Africa to the rise of the modern world, Born in Blackness becomes, at the same time, a far more significant narrative, one that reveals a long-concealed history of trivialization and, more often, elision in depictions of African history throughout the last five hundred years. As French shows, the achievements of sovereign African nations and their now-far-flung peoples have time and again been etiolated and deliberately erased from modern history. As the West ascended, their stories--siloed and piecemeal--were swept into secluded corners, thus setting the stage for the hagiographic "rise of the West" theories that have endured to this day."Capacious and compelling" (Laurent Dubois), Born in Blackness is epic history on the grand scale. In the lofty tradition of bold, revisionist narratives, it reframes the story of gold and tobacco, sugar and cotton--and of the greatest "commodity" of them all, the twelve million people who were brought in chains from Africa to the "New World," whose reclaimed lives shed a harsh light on our present world.
Goldman
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book β brilliant! ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨
Digital Goddess
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends.
Twisty Dew
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience β it's like having a personal audio library. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast.
Moonflower
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience.
Tomcat
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Mustard Centaur
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool.
Star Scratch
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Silver Agent
π Elevating my reading routine β this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. ππ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Intimidating Presence
I'm so grateful for this app β it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Gumby Train
Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
BlackExcalibur
Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Ship Whip
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. 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!
Vicious Street
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer β my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. 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.
Shamrock
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Good-lookinβ
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
Sugar Hiccup
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. 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! ππ Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate.
Lord Pistachio
Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
McDreamy
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Snapdragon
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app β it's a companion. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives.
Chew Chew
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures.
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