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.
Pepper
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! The interface is sleek and modern. Itβs a joy to use.
Esquire
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. Iβd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Con Mammoth
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Emerald Vine
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Instant Star
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
VPR
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. 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! A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Rocky Highway
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
Instant Star
Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Potato Sub
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. πΌ Making work hours enjoyable β audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. π»π
Pluto
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing.
Phoenix Tetra
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities. ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Bootleg Taximan
I'm hooked on this app's curated content β it's like having a personal librarian. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. 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.
Feline Devil
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. πΌ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories β a true work-life balance! π»π β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
CommandX
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! πββοΈπ The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out. 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.
Good-lookinβ
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery β a win-win! Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Baked ZD
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
High Beam
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. 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.
Parallax Sugar
This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ
Hog Butcher
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Eye Devil
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. This app is a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and imagination. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. No more interruptions β the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening.
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