Book description
From the New York Times-bestselling author of Where Good Ideas Come From and Unexpected Life, a new look at the power and legacy of great ideas.In this illustrated history, Steven Johnson explores the history of innovation over centuries, tracing facets of modern life (refrigeration, clocks, and eyeglass lenses, to name a few) from their creation by hobbyists, amateurs, and entrepreneurs to their unintended historical consequences. Filled with surprising stories of accidental genius and brilliant mistakes--from the French publisher who invented the phonograph before Edison but forgot to include playback, to the Hollywood movie star who helped invent the technology behind Wi-Fi and Bluetooth--How We Got to Now investigates the secret history behind the everyday objects of contemporary life. In his trademark style, Johnson examines unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated fields: how the invention of air-conditioning enabled the largest migration of human beings in the history of the species--to cities such as Dubai or Phoenix, which would otherwise be virtually uninhabitable; how pendulum clocks helped trigger the industrial revolution; and how clean water made it possible to manufacture computer chips. Accompanied by a major six-part television series on PBS, How We Got to Now is the story of collaborative networks building the modern world, written in the provocative, informative, and engaging style that has earned Johnson fans around the globe.
Count Eagle
This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
High Beam
ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. π‘ This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! π±π©βπ³ Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great! ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Dez Bonbon
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ
Houston Rocket
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. π§ββοΈ Finding zen in the art of listening β this app takes mindfulness to a new level! π§ββοΈπ§ Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
Blackfire
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Romance Guppy
I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Street Squirrel
As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Cosmic Presence
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
Sky Trinity
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook!
Twitch
The app's stability is impressive β it runs smoothly without any glitches. Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds.
VenusLion
Audiobook excellence β this app's design enhances my reading experience. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
Fadey
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. Iβve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Lady Katniss
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless.
Slow Trot
ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure!
Morbid Angel
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. ListenBookβs CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Electric Player
Kudos to the app for making literature accessible to those with busy schedules. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
Winded On Friday
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightβnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Handsome
π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends.
Spoiler Betty
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Marigold Loot
ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives.
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