Book description
A vibrant look at an unsettled and strangely familiar time that overturns our assumptions about the history of magic. Imagine: it's the year 1600 and you've lost your precious silver spoons, or maybe they've been stolen. Perhaps your child has a fever. Or you're facing a trial. Maybe you're looking for love or escaping a husband. What do you do? In medieval and early modern Europe, your first port of call might have been cunning folk: practitioners of "service magic." Neither feared (like witches), nor venerated (like saints), they were essential to daily life. For people across ages, genders, and social ranks, practical magic was a cherished resource for navigating life's many challenges. In historian Tabitha Stanmore's beguiling account, we meet lovelorn widows, dissolute nobles, selfless healers, and renegade monks. We listen in on Queen Elizabeth I's astrology readings and track treasure hunters trying to unearth buried gold without upsetting the fairies that guard it. Much like us, premodern people lived in a bewildering world, buffeted by forces beyond their control. As Stanmore reveals, their faith in magic has much to teach about how to accommodate the irrational in our allegedly enlightened lives today. Charming in every sense, Cunning Folk is at once an immersive reconstruction of a bygone era and a thought-provoking commentary on the beauty and bafflement of being human.
About the Author
Tabitha Stanmore, PhD, is a specialist in medieval and early modern magic. She is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Exeter, UK, the first university to offer a master's degree in occult history. She has been interviewed on BBC Radio and TV. Her monograph, Love Spells and Lost Treasure, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2022. Cunning Folk is her first book for general readers.
Girl Brownie
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Darkside Hooker
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. π§ Navigating through narratives has never been simpler β this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. ππ« ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
Troublemasher
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze.
TulipCake
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π
Silent
AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
CuriousCoder
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
WanderWord
Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
Mother Night
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Dez
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata.
Grave Digger
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Bridge Whip
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Grave Scuttlebutt
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
Pepper Legs
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Natural Gold
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Zero Charisma
ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless.
Delirious Supernova
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Hemingway Mirmillone
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
MythMaker
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Mr. Fabulous
ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Phoenix Sparrow
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. 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!
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