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.
Virgo Moon
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Lskeee
βοΈ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time β multitasking made easy! π§ π§ Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ
Winded On Friday
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Fuzzy Rainbow
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source.
MysticMingle
π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
AxelRoad
ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly. ListenBook is packed with useful features. Itβs the best audiobook app Iβve used.
Palomino
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§ Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Willow Dragon
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. 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.
DreamDiver
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver!
Chasm Face
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before.
Blister
Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
Fadey
π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise.
NexusNavigator
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime.
BloodEater
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§ The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Little Granger
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Energy
I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
All Natural
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app.
King Bass
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. 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.
Bit Sentinel
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off β no more searching for my spot! ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Rando Tank
ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§ Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
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