Book description
A Delightfully Uncensored Journey Through History's Hidden Highs
Sam Kelly's Human History on Drugs is the kind of book that turns a routine history lesson into a rollicking adventure. With the same playful curiosity that made The Diary of a Young Girl a staple in classrooms, Kelly dives head-first into the lesser-known drug habits of some of our most revered figures-Shakespeare's "stoner" days, Alexander the Great's drunken escapades, and even Steve Jobs' LSD-induced epiphanies.
What sets this volume apart is its blend of rigorous research and irreverent humor. Each chapter feels like a backstage pass: from ancient Greece's "The Oracle of Delphi Was Huffing Fumes" to modern times with Carl Sagan's "Astronomically High," Kelly unpacks the ways substances shaped decision-making, creativity, and politics across millennia. He never shies away from the darker side-Freud's cocaine prescriptions or the tragic downfalls of notorious drug users-but always balances it with a light touch that keeps the narrative engaging.
The book's pacing is impeccable; each anecdote flows seamlessly into the next, creating a mosaic that is as informative as it is entertaining. Kelly's prose is clear and approachable, making complex historical contexts accessible without sacrificing depth. Readers will find themselves laughing at the absurdity of a drunken Alexander while simultaneously appreciating how drug culture has subtly steered history's course.
In short, Human History on Drugs offers a fresh, unapologetic perspective that invites readers to reconsider the stories they thought they knew. It is an essential read for anyone curious about the untold, often hilarious, influence of substances on humanity's greatest moments.
Buckshot
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
Kimono Goddess
Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Doughboy, Esq
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Fast FLAK
With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Z-Boy
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is a game-changer. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
Sexy
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. 💎📚
Sugar Apple
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. 💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. 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.
Kawaii Red
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go.
Dewdrop Doll
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
Prez Dog
🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 🌌 Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking – this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! 🍲📖 The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
RiddleRover
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Mad Kid
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Mr. 44
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Firecracker
Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Bliss
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
ThoughtTrail
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Clang Glyph
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening.
Wildcat Appaloosa
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling.
Zod
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱
ThreadTraveler
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze.
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