Book description
From the bestselling author of the Pulitzer Prize finalist Empire of the Summer Moon comes a stunning historical tale of the rise and fall of the world's largest airship--and the doomed love story between an ambitious British officer and a married Romanian Princess at its heart. The tragic story of the British airship R101--which went down in a spectacular hydrogen-fueled fireball in 1930, killing more people than died in the Hindenburg disaster seven years later--has been largely forgotten. In His Majesty's Airship, historian S.C. Gwynne resurrects it in vivid detail, telling the epic story of great ambition gone terribly wrong. Airships, those airborne leviathans that occupied center stage in the world in the first half of the twentieth century, were a symbol of the future. R101 was not just the largest aircraft ever to have flown and the product of the world's most advanced engineering--she was also the lynchpin of an imperial British scheme to link by air the far-flung areas of its empire from Australia to India, South Africa, Canada, Egypt, and Singapore. No one had ever conceived of anything like this. R101 captivated the world. There was just one problem: beyond the hype and technological wonders, these big, steel-framed, hydrogen-filled airships were a dangerously bad idea. Gwynne's chronicle features a cast of remarkable--and often tragically flawed--characters, including Lord Christopher Thomson, the man who dreamed up the Imperial Airship Scheme and then relentlessly pushed R101 to her destruction; Princess Marthe Bibesco, the celebrated writer and glamorous socialite with whom he had a long affair; and Herbert Scott, a national hero who had made the first double crossing of the Atlantic in any aircraft in 1919--eight years before Lindbergh's famous flight--but who devolved into drink and ruin. These historical figures--and the ship they built, flew, and crashed--come together in a grand tale that details the rocky road to commercial aviation written by one of the best popular historians writing today.
Flash
Audiobook excellence made simple β this app's functionality is a true asset. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use.
HighBomber
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable.
Sly Bible
This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking.
Beo
π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! 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.
Easy Mac
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Pepper
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 broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Mr. Peppermint
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's pure bliss. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Bombay Shivers
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorβs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsβjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Poppy Coffee
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Blinker
ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ
RiddleRover
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. π‘ Balancing learning and living effortlessly β audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! π§π« I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Dredd
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Pecan Oblivion
With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use.
Houston Rocket
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight.
Coffee
This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
Shadow Bishop
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Bones
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Greek Rifle
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Forger
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life β it's a unique experience. Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it.
Fresh Peper
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey.
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