Book description
Imagine hearing T.A. Shippey, the brilliant medievalist who knows Tolkien's world like his own breath, guide you through it all. This isn't a dry lecture; it's a warm, insightful conversation you'll want to linger over. As the Houston Chronicle put it, it's "enormous fun," and you'll quickly understand why-Shippey doesn't just explain The Lord of the Rings; he makes you feel why those words shimmer. He breaks down the linguistic magic, showing how Tolkien's invented languages aren't just cool-they're the very heartbeat of Middle-earth. You'll hear Frodo's journey not just as adventure, but as a deep, human pull toward myth, echoing from Beowulf to Grimm's tales.
Shippey's voice-calm, precise, full of genuine enthusiasm-makes complex ideas flow like a story. He tackles The Hobbit's surprising connection to the grander world of Rings, reveals why The Silmarillion isn't just a footnote, and even shines light on Tolkien's lesser-known works, all while weaving it all back to Tolkien's life and the tradition he carried forward. As Harper's Magazine noted, his commentary "elucidates Tolkien's lovely myth" perfectly, making you see the depth without losing the wonder. You won't just learn about Tolkien; you'll feel why he matters, why his stories still shape our world. The Chicago Sun-Times called it a "triumph," and listening to Shippey unpack it all-his clarity, his passion, the way he makes you hear the magic in every sentence-you'll agree. This isn't just a book about Tolkien; it's the perfect companion for anyone who's ever felt the pull of a hobbit's quiet courage or the shadow of a dragon. You'll finish it eager to revisit Middle-earth, not as a reader, but as someone who finally understands how it all came to be. A true gift for any Tolkien fan, delivered with the warmth of a friend sharing their favorite secret.
Canine Hannibal
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word.
Osprey
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. Audiobook adventures simplified β this app's functionality is a revelation.
Granola
This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Vermilion
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
CuriousCrafter
Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
Lady Fantastic
The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it.
Po1son
Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Grotas
This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
TeederSmartie
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls.
RealmRanger
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Granola
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Dr. Cocktail
My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Freeway
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy.
Daffy Neo
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Rando Tank
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ
BuzzBait
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. Seamless integration of audiobooks β this app's ease of use is impressive.
Pixie Taze
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘
The Belgian
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
180
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. πΆπ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling β audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. π§π
Arsenic Coo
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
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