Book description
From the New York Times bestselling author of A History of the World in Twelve Maps, this is the revelatory history of the four cardinal directions that have oriented and defined our place on the globe for millennia North, south, east, and west: almost all societies use these four cardinal directions to orientate themselves and to understand who they are by projecting where they are. For millennia, these four directions have been foundational to our travel, navigation, and exploration, and are central to the imaginative, moral, and political geography of virtually every culture in the world. Yet they are far more subjective--and sometimes contradictory--than we might realize.Four Points of the Compass takes us on a journey of directional discovery. Societies have understood and defined directions in very different ways based on their locations in time and space. Historian Jerry Brotton reveals why Hebrew culture privileges east; why Renaissance Europeans began drawing north at the top of their maps; why early Islam revered the south; why the Aztecs used five color-coded cardinal directions; and why no societies, primitive or modern, have ever orientated themselves westwards. In doing so, politically-loaded but widely used terms such as the "Middle East," the "Global South." the "West Indies," the "Orient." and even the "western world" take on new meanings. Who decided on these terms and what do they mean for geopolitics? How have directions like "east" and "west" taken on the status of cultural identities--or more accurately stereotypes? Yet today, because of GPS capability, cardinal points are less relevant. Online, we place ourselves at the center of the map as little blue dots moving across geospatial apps; we have become the most important compass point, though in the process we've disconnected ourselves from the natural world. Imagining what future changes technology may impose, Jerry Brotton skillfully reminds us how crucial the four cardinal directions have been to everyone who has ever walked our planet.
Frosty Squid
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
MeeP
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Flashpoint
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Mr. Thanksgiving
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Mint Ness
Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
Marshmallow Treat
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Ember Rope
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Grotas
No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Darkside Hooker
Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! π±π A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Delirium
π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
K-9
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable.
Skirble
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Chapstick
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Candy Butcher
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
ManMaker
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
Orange Teflon
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Versace-Cat
This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
All Natural
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. This app's library is a treasure trove β I'm always discovering new favorites. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. πΆ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! πΆπ Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience.
Digital Equinox
ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Flash
Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
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