Book description
"A delightful compendium of the kind of facts you immediately want to share with anyone you encounter . . . . Simon Winchester has firmly earned his place in history . . . as a promulgator of knowledge of every variety, perhaps the last of the famous explorers who crisscrossed the now-vanished British Empire and reported what they found to an astonished world." -- New York TimesFrom the creation of the first encyclopedia to Wikipedia, from ancient museums to modern kindergarten classes--this is award winning writer Simon Winchester's brilliant and all-encompassing look at how humans acquire, retain, and pass on information and data, and how technology continues to change our lives and our minds.With the advent of the internet, any topic we want to know about is instantly available with the touch of a smartphone button. With so much knowledge at our fingertips, what is there left for our brains to do? At a time when we seem to be stripping all value from the idea of knowing things--no need for math, no need for map-reading, no need for memorization--are we risking our ability to think? As we empty our minds, will we one day be incapable of thoughtfulness? Addressing these questions, Simon Winchester explores how humans have attained, stored, and disseminated knowledge. Examining such disciplines as education, journalism, encyclopedia creation, museum curation, photography, and broadcasting, he looks at a whole range of knowledge diffusion--from the cuneiform writings of Babylon to the machine-made genius of artificial intelligence, by way of Gutenberg, Google, and Wikipedia to the huge Victorian assemblage of the Mundanaeum, the collection of everything ever known, currently stored in a damp basement in northern Belgium. Studded with strange and fascinating details, Knowing What We Know is a deep dive into learning and the human mind. Throughout this fascinating tour, Winchester forces us to ponder what rational humans are becoming. What good is all this knowledge if it leads to lack of thought? What is information without wisdom? Does Rene Descartes's Cogito, ergo sum--"I think therefore I am," the foundation for human knowledge widely accepted since the Enlightenment--still hold? And what will the world be like if no one in it is wise?
Wanted Candy
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
Dance Bloom
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. Enhancing my daily routines – this app's design makes listening a joy.
Manly Reno
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Leaf Assassin
With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. With this app, reading is no longer a task – it's a delightful habit. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖 Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
Lewd Dice
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book – brilliant! ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired.
Highway
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
Shwatson
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. 🎉 This app's functionality is a masterpiece – it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. 📚🎨
Demolition Queen
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings.
Pockets
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. No more carrying heavy books – this app has transformed my reading habits. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content.
Riff Raff
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. 🌟 Reading has never been this easy – this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. 📚💫
Moonflower
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion.
Firefly
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. ⭐️ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! 🧹🏰 🔥 Spicing up my routine with this app – it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! ✨📖 Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Moon Laser
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Cumulo
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go.
Crash Enforcer
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences.
Automatic Slicer
💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight.
Coma Stalk
🎧 This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! 📚🍳 💡 Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine – this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. 📱📖
Liquid Death
ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Count Eagle
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained.
Aqua Diva
The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever.
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