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.
Wooden German
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Nickname Master
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption.
Shadow Chaser
This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences – time flies by! Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a perfect match. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Heaven Sent
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging.
Romance Princess
ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Crash Test
ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts. 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.
InsightfulInk
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Evil Smith
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
SpellTansy
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚
xFRST
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files!
Dahlia Bumble
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. 📚 The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. 📱📖
Sokol
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. 💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
Winded On Friday
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset.
Sweetness
ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
New Cycle
Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Easy Street
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow.
Jetta Talent
🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Ginger Chaos
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
VisionVortex
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
MrOnsTr
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive 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