Book description
In her international bestseller SPQR, Mary Beard told the thousand-year story of ancient Rome, from its slightly shabby Iron Age origins to its reign as the undisputed hegemon of the Mediterranean. Now, drawing on more than thirty years of teaching and writing about Roman history, Beard turns to the emperors who ruled the Roman Empire, beginning with Julius Caesar (assassinated 44 BCE) and taking us through the nearly three centuries--and some thirty emperors--that separate him from the boy-king Alexander Severus (assassinated 235 CE).Yet Emperor of Rome is not your typical chronological account of Roman rulers, one emperor after another: the mad Caligula, the monster Nero, the philosopher Marcus Aurelius. Instead, Beard asks different, often larger and more probing questions: What power did emperors actually have? Was the Roman palace really so bloodstained? What kind of jokes did Augustus tell? And for that matter, what really happened, for example, between the emperor Hadrian and his beloved Antinous? Effortlessly combining the epic with the quotidian, Beard tracks the emperor down at home, at the races, on his travels, even on his way to heaven.Along the way, Beard explores Roman fictions of imperial power, overturning many of the assumptions that we hold as gospel, not the least of them the perception that emperors one and all were orchestrators of extreme brutality and cruelty. Here Beard introduces us to the emperor's wives and lovers, rivals and slaves, court jesters and soldiers, and the ordinary people who pressed begging letters into his hand--whose chamber pot disputes were adjudicated by Augustus, and whose budgets were approved by Vespasian, himself the son of a tax collector.With its finely nuanced portrayal of sex, class, and politics, Emperor of Rome goes directly to the heart of Roman fantasies (and our own) about what it was to be Roman at its richest, most luxurious, most extreme, most powerful, and most deadly, offering an account of Roman history as it has never been presented before.
Acid Gosling
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience – a fantastic feature. Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Vortex
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores – this app is a lifesaver! ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Killer Merlot
This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. 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!
Killer Grenade
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Low Voltage
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings.
RealmRanger
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Bowler
Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature! The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Gr8 Flick
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch.
ChatterChampion
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. 🚶♂️🌟 Staying entertained during leisurely walks – audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! 🚶♂️🎧 📱 My pocket-sized library – this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! 📚📱
VenusLion
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. 🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨
Rosie Bird
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. 👀📚 Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page – this app is a bedtime dream! 😴🎧 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature.
Firefly
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
Black Firefly
🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 💡 Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine – this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. 📱📖 I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Bazooka Har-de-har
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
The Happy Jock
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams!
NemesisX
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. ⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧
Berry Succubus
Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Lucifurious
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. ⏰ Starting my mornings with inspiration – audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! ☀️🎧 I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Demo Tequila
The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Omega Sub
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
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