Book description
Publishers Weekly Best Summer Reads Overturn everything you knew about history's greatest minds in this raucous and hilarious book, where it turns out there's a finer line between "genius" and "idiot" than we've previously known. "As Albert Einstein almost certainly never said, everyone is a genius - but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." So begins Katie Spalding's spunky takedown of the Western canon, and how genius may not be as irrefutably great as we commonly understand. While most of us may never become Einstein, it may surprise you to learn that there's probably a bunch of stuff you can do that Einstein couldn't. And, as Spalding shows, the famous prodigies she explores here were quite odd by any definition. For example: Thomas Edison, inventor of the lightbulb, believed that he could communicate with the undead and built the world's very first hotline to heaven: the Spirit Phone. Marie and Pierre Curie, famous for discovering radioactivity, slept next to a lump of radioactive material for years and strapped it to their arms to watch it burn them in real-time. Lord Byron, acclaimed British poet, literally took a bear with him to university. Isaac Newton discovered the laws of gravity and motion, but he also looked up at the sun without eye protection. The result? Three days of blindness. Tesla, whose scientific work led to the invention of the AC unit, fell in love with a pigeon. Edison's Ghosts is filled with examples of the so-called best of humanity doing, to put it bluntly, some really dumb shit. You'll discover stories that deserve to be told but never are: the hilarious, regrettable, and downright bafflingly lesser-known achievements that never made it into our history books, until now.
AlertXis
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
The Belgian
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection.
Hen Skittle
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process.
Kitchen
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats โ it truly supports all my audio needs. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ Running with purpose โ audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ง 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. ๐๐ง ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app.
Unleashed
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Spellbinder
Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Runway Darling
I've become addicted to this app โ in the best possible way! ๐ Dancing through chores with audiobooks โ this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! ๐ถ๐ ๐ฑ Carrying stories wherever I go โ this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. ๐๐๏ธ Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app!
Metal Aphrodite
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level โ it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience.
Athens Fire
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket โ truly amazing! This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. ListenBookโs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
King Panther
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. ListenBookโs interface is clean and intuitive. Itโs a joy to use.
VenusLion
ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences โ time flies by! This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
Fiend Oblivion
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodโwhat a creative addition! Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. I love the statistics feature. Itโs fun to see how much Iโve listened.
Uncle Psycho
The narrators on this app are truly talented โ they bring characters to life. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free.
Stick Shift
๐ช Crushing workouts while devouring books โ this app makes fitness fun and educational! ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ๐ ๐ฅ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine โ this app is my secret weapon! โจ๐ ๐ The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. ๐ฑ๐ง ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Rocky Highway
I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. ๐ Embracing reading in the digital age โ this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. ๐ฑ๐ Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. ๐ฑ๐ The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Sick Saurus
๐ก This app has made my daily schedule more interesting โ 'reading' on the go! ๐ฑ๐ถโโ๏ธ I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook! 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!
German Coach
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. ๐ฑ๐ง ListenBookโs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Pinup Diva
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Tall Sally
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks โ it's truly invigorating. Simplifying audiobook management โ this app's functionality is a true asset. ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
Papa Smurf
With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting โ pure magic! is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable.
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