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.
Moonflower
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse – chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated.
Jester
⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧 I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
InsightfulInk
No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. 📖📱 Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Achilles Mountain
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Bambi Benz
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Snake Eyes
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true – no more hassles! Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
TrixiePhany
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
Spooky Yellowjacket
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. I’ve 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!
TrinitySoul
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧 ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Dora the Destroyer
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. 💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. 📱🔊
General Finish
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. 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.
Dr. Cocktail
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. 💼 Making work hours enjoyable – audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. 💻📖 Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality.
Lucky Martian
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is impressive.
Miss Mustard
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience.
Force
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Tart Voodoo
Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
Lucky Martian
Mastering audiobook navigation – this app's ease of use is commendable. 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. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
InsightInkwell
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores – this app is a lifesaver! I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
57 Pixels
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Toolmaker
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
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