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.
Flame OUT
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app.
Killah Goose
I've been recommending this app to all my friends – it's a true game-changer. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. 🧘♂️ Finding zen through storytelling – this app makes meditation even more calming. 🧘♂️🎧 Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
FLAK Angel
With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Voluntary
The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me! ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
PixelPathfinder
The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
DreamWeaver
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable.
Twix Esses
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy – it's eye-opening. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Plum Moon
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
WonderWords
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. 📱 No more lugging around heavy books – this app brings the library to my phone! 📚📱 Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
WanderWord
This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go – it's my daily companion. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening.
ManManMan
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Bleach
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time.
Subzero Taffy
I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. 💼 Merging work and pleasure – audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! 💻🎧 Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
PixelPioneer
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
Thrasher
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. 🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖 ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Unseen
🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Tall Sally
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
HedgeH0g2
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. 🎶📚 My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. 🎧🎶 I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Wheels
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Mother Night
Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is commendable. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
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