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.
FRMhndshk
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
Osprey
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities.
Lime
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
AirportHobo XD
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Miss Murder
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Soda Delirium
I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze.
Chip Queen
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Round Kick Boomer
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Thrasher
Audiobook multitasking made simple β this app's design is a game-changer. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
LerveDr
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
EchoEmissary
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Papa Smurf
π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Desert Haze
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive.
Kinged
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Granola Dove
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app β it's like being in the story. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side.
Demo Zero
Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience.
Pogue
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience.
Red Heroine
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time.
Bleach
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
StarZen
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. π Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! ππ« Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
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