Book description
Imagine settling in with your headphones, ready for a journey through 3,000 years of Chinese thought and story - not through dense academic text, but through the warm, inviting voice of Frances Wood. This audiobook version of Great Books of China is pure magic for the curious listener. Wood doesn't just list classics; she makes you feel their enduring power, weaving concise, insightful introductions with vivid English quotes that land perfectly in your ear. You'll hear the ancient wisdom of the Analects whispered with quiet authority, feel the vibrant chaos of The Water Margin's bandits, and savor the poignant beauty of Memories of South Peking - a modern gem rarely heard in the West.
What makes this audiobook extraordinary is how effortlessly it bridges time. Wood guides you chronologically, from the lyrical simplicity of the Book of Songs to the sharp political wit of Quotations from Chairman Mao and the intimate reflections of the last emperor's autobiography. She's not just informing; she's inviting you into a living conversation across centuries. You'll find yourself leaning in as she explains why The Romance of the Western Chamber is the Chinese Romeo and Juliet with a twist, or how a 19th-century novel like Six Chapters from a Cadre School Life reveals profound humanity amid upheaval. Each segment feels like a perfectly curated gift, opening a new window into a civilization that shaped the world.
The audio format is ideal here. Hearing Wood's clear, engaging delivery, paired with those beautifully chosen English passages, makes these ancient voices feel startlingly immediate. You don't just learn about the Analects; you hear its timeless advice resonate in your mind. You don't just get a list of titles; you experience why these works mattered - to emperors, peasants, poets, and revolutionaries alike. It's a masterclass in accessibility, transforming what could feel like an overwhelming canon into a deeply human, endlessly fascinating exploration. By the end, you won't just know Great Books of China; you'll feel you've met old friends who've been waiting patiently to share their stories, all delivered with the grace of a trusted guide. This isn't just a primer-it's an invitation to fall in love with a world of stories that still speak to us today.
LuminaLore
Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. ππ± Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have! This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Boost
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Overrun
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. I'm grateful for this app β it's made reading a part of my everyday life. Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Serendipity
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Fire Queen
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Domino
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. 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.
ThoughtTraveler
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Rusty Vortex
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. Seamless integration of audiobooks β this app's ease of use is impressive.
Prof. Smirk
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Noh Noh
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits β truly impressive. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. ListenBookβs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Roller Girl
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic.
SprkR
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Find It Girl
I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience.
Mammoth 2
π± Carrying stories wherever I go β this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. πποΈ ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis.
QuestWeaver
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization!
Succubus In Training
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
Leaf Assassin
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. This app makes traffic jams a breeze β time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
Boost Princess
I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ« ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
JK Friend
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Vicious Street
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
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