Book description
Halley's Comet visits the earth every seventy-five years. Since the dawn of civilization, humans had believed comets were evil portents. In 1705, Edmond Halley liberated humanity from these primordial superstitions (or so it was thought), proving that Newtonian mechanics rather than the will of the gods brought comets into our celestial neighborhood. Despite this scientific advance, when Halley's Comet returned in 1910 and astronomers announced that our planet would pass through its poisonous tail, newspapers gleefully provoked a global hysteria that unfolded with tragic consequences. In Comet Madness, author and historian Richard J. Goodrich examines the 1910 appearance of Halley's Comet and the ensuing frenzy sparked by media manipulation, bogus science, and outright deception. The result is a fascinating and illuminating narrative history that underscores how we behave in the face of potential calamity - then and now. As the comet neared Earth, scientists and journalists alike scrambled to get the story straight as citizens the world over panicked. Popular astronomer Camille Flammarion attempted to allay fears in a newspaper article, but the media ignored his true position that passage would be harmless; weather prophet Irl Hicks, publisher of an annual, pseudo-scientific almanac, announced that the comet would disrupt the world's weather; religious leaders thumbed the Bible's Book of Revelation and wondered if the comet presaged the apocalypse. Newspapers, confident that there was gold in these alternate theories, gave every crackpot a megaphone, increasing circulation and stoking international hysteria. As a result, workmen shelved their tools, farmers refused to plant crops they would never harvest, and formerly reliable people stopped paying their creditors. More opportunistic citizens opened "comet insurance" plans. Others suffered mental breakdowns, and some took their own lives. Comet Madness reveals how humans confront the unknown, how scientists learn about the world we inhabit, and how certain people--from outright hucksters to opportunistic journalists--harness fear to produce a profit.
Good-lookin’
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser – a time-saver! Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
Miss Fix It
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is a true winner. 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! Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Eight Patrol
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle.
Cupid Dust
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
Sidewalk Enforcer
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again – it's a must-have app. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience.
Bowie
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Sapiens
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. 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.
Dez Bonbon
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go – it's my daily companion. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true.
Gunhawk
As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. 🌟🎧 ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Spicy Thunder
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Easy Mac
Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧 With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. ListenBook’s playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality.
Juno Cream
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀
Redneck Giorgio
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone!
Prone
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. 🎉 Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks – this app turns errands into epic quests! 🛒📖 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app.
Emerald Goddess
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer.
Innocent Ghost
🚶♀️🎧 Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks – pure bliss! 🏞️📚 📱 An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts – it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! 📚💡 The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me!
Darth 44
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks – this app has converted me! This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. 🚗📖 Road trips have never been this entertaining – this app keeps me engaged on the highway! 🚙🎉 The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Kevlar Wanted
Audiobook excellence simplified – this app's functionality is a true delight. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening.
NoiseFire
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth.
Roadspike
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
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