Book description
An epic, extraordinary account of scientific rivalry and obsession in the quest to survey all of life on Earth--a competition "with continued repercussions for Western views of race. [This] vivid double biography is a passionate corrective" (The New York Times Book Review, Editors' Choice). "[A] vibrant scientific saga . . . at once important, outrageous, enlightening, entertaining, enduring, and still evolving."--Dava Sobel, author of Longitude In the eighteenth century, two men--exact contemporaries and polar opposites--dedicated their lives to the same daunting task: identifying and describing all life on Earth. Carl Linnaeus, a pious Swedish doctor with a huckster's flair, believed that life belonged in tidy, static categories. Georges-Louis de Buffon, an aristocratic polymath and keeper of France's royal garden, viewed life as a dynamic swirl of complexities. Each began his task believing it to be difficult but not impossible: How could the planet possibly hold more than a few thousand species--or as many could fit on Noah's Ark? Both fell far short of their goal, but in the process they articulated starkly divergent views on nature, the future of the Earth, and humanity itself. Linnaeus gave the world such concepts as mammal, primate, and Homo sapiens, but he also denied that species change and he promulgated racist pseudoscience. Buffon formulated early prototypes of evolution and genetics, warned of global climate change, and argued passionately against prejudice. The clash of their conflicting worldviews continued well after their deaths, as their successors contended for dominance in the emerging science that came to be called biology. In Every Living Thing, Jason Roberts weaves a sweeping, unforgettable narrative spell, exploring the intertwined lives and legacies of Linnaeus and Buffon--as well as the groundbreaking, often fatal adventures of their acolytes--to trace an arc of insight and discovery that extends across three centuries into the present day.
About the Author
Jason Roberts is a writer of fiction and nonfiction. His previous book, A Sense of the World: How a Blind Man Became History's Greatest Traveler, was a national bestseller and finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. A contributor to McSweeney's, The Believer, and other publications, he lives in Northern California.
Sand Whiskers
ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Minty Devil
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place.
Pink Hopper
π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π
Night Train
ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
LuminaLore
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality.
The Dude
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities.
Snapple Whistler
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination.
Queen Bee
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. No more worries about compatibility β ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. π± Carrying stories wherever I go β this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. πποΈ Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Plenty Orange
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Switch
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner.
Bad Beh8vior
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§ Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist.
Steel Cut Toe
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Winter Bite
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes.
Kill Switch
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Marshmallow Treat
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset.
Hidden Tree
π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient!
Lady Fantastic
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Cinder Coffee
I can't believe how much more productive I am β I'm learning and growing while multitasking! Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
DARK HQ
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. πͺ Achieving double wins β workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! πͺπ§ Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience.
Black Walnut
π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³ π₯ Spicing up my routine with this app β it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! β¨π Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
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