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.
Mr. Wholesome
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Blade
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability.
London Fox
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. I can’t believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Demo Tequila
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes – options galore to suit everyone's preferences. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Wildcat Talent
This app is not just about convenience – it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a delight. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic.
Arsenic Coo
Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. 📚🎧 Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Gov Skull
This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. Effortlessly exploring new worlds – this app's design is user-centric and efficient. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional.
Friday Fox
📱 Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap – this app is my digital library card! 📚📱 ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Undergrad
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. ⏰ Maximizing my time with efficient features – this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. 📚⏳ Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Dorothy Solitaire
⭐️ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! 🧹🏰 🎶 Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators – audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. 🎵📚 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Blinker
With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education – it's brilliant! ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Danger Menace
Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. 🎉📚 ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
High Woo
🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖 The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature! The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Spunky Comet
ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Preach Man
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
FireBerry
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Beetle King
Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. 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! 📚🎧 The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
QuestQuill
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Disco Thunder
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature!
Pixie
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
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