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
TeederSmartie
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. 💪 Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier – this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. 💼📖 Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Gentle Avenger
I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance – it's a must-have for any reader. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Freesia
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion. 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.
Silent
ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Kinged
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions.
Plum Moon
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Scrapple
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Devine Melon
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy – it's eye-opening. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Rusty Vortex
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Senior Smurf
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
ThoughtTraveler
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. 🚶♂️🌟 Staying entertained during leisurely walks – audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! 🚶♂️🎧 Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization!
Steel Solstice
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature! 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! As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Skull Crusher
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories.
NexusNomad
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. 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.
Skylark
This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
Undergrad
With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Vermilion
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
LuminaLore
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Midnight Rambler
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! 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.
Killer Curio
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
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