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.
Twin Blaze
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook!
Biscuit Meg
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze.
Eye Devil
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Eye Devil
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books!
Boost Princess
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
EchoEmissary
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
StarStrider
Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
Alberta
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Hemingway Mirmillone
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app – it's a constant source of joy. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Petite Beauty
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Sugar Apple
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Slow Trot
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
Curio
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook! This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Suicide Jockey
No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Acid Gosling
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. 🏡 Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house – it's like having a helper! 🏠📚 Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Red Pepper
🚗📖 Road trips have never been this entertaining – this app keeps me engaged on the highway! 🚙🎉 Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
ReiGnZ
ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
Campfire Mama
ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
Infinite Hole
I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
New York Mood
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
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