Book description
Why did Eurasians conquer, displace, or decimate Native Americans, Australians, and Africans, instead of the reverse? In this "artful, informative, and delightful" (William H. McNeill, New York Review of Books) book, a classic of our time, evolutionary biologist Jared Diamond dismantles racist theories of human history by revealing the environmental factors actually responsible for its broadest patterns.The story begins 13,000 years ago, when Stone Age hunter-gatherers constituted the entire human population. Around that time, the developmental paths of human societies on different continents began to diverge greatly. Early domestication of wild plants and animals in the Fertile Crescent, China, Mesoamerica, the Andes, and other areas gave peoples of those regions a head start at a new way of life. But the localized origins of farming and herding proved to be only part of the explanation for their differing fates. The unequal rates at which food production spread from those initial centers were influenced by other features of climate and geography, including the disparate sizes, locations, and even shapes of the continents. Only societies that moved away from the hunter-gatherer stage went on to develop writing, technology, government, and organized religions as well as deadly germs and potent weapons of war. It was those societies, adventuring on sea and land, that invaded others, decimating native inhabitants through slaughter and the spread of disease.A major landmark in our understanding of human societies, Guns, Germs, and Steel chronicles the way in which the modern world, and its inequalities, came to be.
Rook
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape.
Rope
With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Pixy Mox
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Admiral Tot
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Nessie
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights – it's a true audio marvel. With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. 🎙️ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt – what a game-changer! 🛒📚 The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use.
Sandbox
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Chew Chew
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
VenusXX
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Jelly Momentum
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! 📱 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! 📚🔥 Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
Mule Lock
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius! The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes.
Poppin Loot
Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Bad Beh8vior
💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️ ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Spitfire
🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level.
Helmet Destroyer
I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment.
JK Friend
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs.
Night Train
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. 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. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
Golden Cougar
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Bat Magenta
🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
StormCake
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way – through audiobooks! With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. 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.
Blink
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
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