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.
Trixie Doodle
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
The Happy Jock
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle β this app's design is a win. Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable.
Devil Bread
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Slinger
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things.
Dez North
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. ππ§ The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Delicious
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. No need to convert files anymore β ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Nightmare King
I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Canary Apple Red
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks.
NexusNomad
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly.
Killah Goose
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Saint La-Z-Boy
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨
Mud Pie Man
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Silver Agent
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
FrankenGrin
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. No more carrying heavy books β this app has transformed my reading habits. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Firedog
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences β time flies by! Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration.
Impulse
ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
RedFisher
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
Cumulo
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's design is a reader's dream. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight.
ForumFlare
This app is not just about convenience β it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Starshine
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
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