Book description
A Wolfson History Prize FinalistA New Statesman Book of the YearA Sunday Times Book of the Year "Timely and authoritative...I enjoyed it immensely."--Philip Pullman "If you care about books, and if you believe we must all stand up to the destruction of knowledge and cultural heritage, this is a brilliant read--both powerful and prescient."--Elif Shafak Libraries have been attacked since ancient times but they have been especially threatened in the modern era, through war as well as willful neglect. Burning the Books describes the deliberate destruction of the knowledge safeguarded in libraries from Alexandria to Sarajevo, from smashed Assyrian tablets to the torching of the Library of Congress. The director of the world-famous Bodleian Libraries, Richard Ovenden, captures the political, religious, and cultural motivations behind these acts. He also shines a light on the librarians and archivists preserving history and memory, often risking their lives in the process. More than simply repositories for knowledge, libraries support the rule of law and inspire and inform citizens. Ovenden reminds us of their social and political importance, challenging us to protect and support these essential institutions. "Wonderful...full of good stories and burning with passion."--Sunday Times "The sound of a warning vibrates through this book."--The Guardian "Essential reading for anyone concerned with libraries and what Ovenden outlines as their role in 'the support of democracy, the rule of law and open society.'"--Wall Street Journal "Ovenden emphasizes that attacks on books, archives, and recorded information are the usual practice of authoritarian regimes."--Michael Dirda, Washington Post
QuantumQuipper
This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Ella of Light
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer – I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Lava Nibbler
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey.
Darth 44
This app is my travel companion – making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧 ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Thunder Tank
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. 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. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Sidewalk Enforcer
This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Pixie Taze
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Daffy Neo
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Necromancer
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Viceswerve
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. 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!
Accidental Genius
I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. 🎉 An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures – count me in! 🧹📖 I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Snapple Whistler
The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Gas Man
Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a perfect match. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
xFRST
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
CuriousCrafter
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Mother Night
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
MindfulMingle
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
CuriousCrafter
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. ⭐️ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! 🧹🏰 Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Don Stab
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors.
Good-lookin’
An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧 Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
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