Book description
Named a 2024 Pulitzer Prize Finalist and a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice Pick "Among the year's highlights . . . groundbreaking, epic . . . Like visitors exiting the Met's galleries, readers will emerge from Information Desk bedazzled by the transformative horizons of art." --Washington Post "An effluvial rush of memory, desire, data, and metaphor . . . It's bracing to encounter a mind so voracious, so unapologetic in its intelligence." --New York Review of Books A book-length poem set in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, from a writer whose work offers "something few poets ever discover: a vision of the whole world" (Dan Chiasson, The New Yorker) Robyn Schiff's fourth collection is an ambitious book-length poem in three parts set at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's information desk, where Schiff long ago held a staff position. Elaborately mapping an interconnected route in and out of the museum through history, material, and memory, Information Desk: An Epic takes us on an anguished soul-quest and ecstatic intellectual query to confront the violent forces that inform the museum's encyclopedic collection and the spiritual powers of art. Novelistic in its sweep, frantically informative, and deeply intimate in its private recollections, Information Desk: An Epic wayfares with riveting lyric intensity through an epic array of topics and concerns, including illusion, deception, self-deception, complicity, lecherous coworkers, the composition of pigment, the scattering of seeds, ideas, and capital, and insect infestations spreading within artwork. Along the way, Schiff pauses to invoke three terrifying muses--parasitic wasps--in desperate awe of their powers of precision and generative energy. Information Desk: An Epic undertakes a hemorrhaging ekphrastic journey through artifice and the natural world.
About the Author
Robyn Schiff is the author of three previous poetry collections, Worth, Revolver, and A Woman of Property, which was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. The recipient of the 2023 Joseph Brodsky Rome Prize, she is a Professor at Emory University, and co-edits Canarium Books.
Glyph
This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice.
NexusNomad
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
NightDream
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Mafia Princess
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
BuzzBait
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Impulse
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats. 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!
PepperBurst
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
Rooster
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery – a win-win! I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day.
Dove Dolce
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off!
Crazy Rox
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. 🏃♂️📚 Combining fitness and fiction – this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! 🏃♂️📖 With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Indestructible Potato
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. 📚👏 No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
Osprey
🎉 An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures – count me in! 🧹📖 🎉 Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks – this app turns errands into epic quests! 🛒📖
Sugar Apple
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great!
Trash
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. 💼 Workday blues? Not anymore – this app turns my office hours into reading time! 💻📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. 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.
ByteBard
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Abyss Tamer
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. 👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧
Racy Babe
This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
NightDream
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Flash Protein
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side. 📱 No more lugging around heavy books – this app brings the library to my phone! 📚📱 ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Bridge Whip
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
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