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.
Lounge Master
No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features.
Legacy
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
Dez
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book β brilliant! This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
Sir Shove
πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Sokol
π Rekindling my literary flame β this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ππ Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Third Moon
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination.
Gullyway
πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together.
Potato Sub
The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Chasm Face
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. πΌ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories β a true work-life balance! π»π ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
TrinitySoul
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off β no more searching for my spot! The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
BlacKitten
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ«
Trash Sling
Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
High Heel Goddess
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Bootleg Taximan
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. I'm hooked on this app β it's like Netflix for book lovers! ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Chip Queen
I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Twine X
βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Count Eagle
πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ πΆπ Replacing tunes with stories β my house is alive with the sound of narration! π§π
Miss Murder
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Palomino
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Heaven Sent
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. π§ An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand β this app is pure convenience! ππ π₯ Spicing up my routine with this app β it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! β¨π The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
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