Book description
Gorgeous young women in revealing poses; extravagant mansion parties packed with celebrities; a hot-tub grotto, elegant smoking jackets, and round rotating beds; the hedonistic pursuit of uninhibited sexโput these images together and a single name springs to mind: Hugh Hefner. From his spectacular launch of Playboy magazine and the dizzying expansion of his leisure empire to his recent television hit The Girls Next Door, the publisher has attracted public attention and controversy for decades. But how did a man who is at once socially astute and morally unconventional, part Bill Gates and part Casanova, also evolve into a figure at the forefront of cultural change?In Mr. Playboy, historian and biographer Steven Watts argues that, in the process of becoming fabulously wealthy and famous, Hefner has profoundly altered American life and values. Granted unprecedented access to the man and his enterprise, Watts traces Hef's life and career from his Midwestern, Methodist upbringing and the first publication of Playboy in 1953 through the turbulent sixties, self-indulgent seventies, reactionary eighties, and traditionalist nineties up to the present. He reveals that from the beginning Hefner believed he could overturn social norms and take America with him.Throughout this fascinating biography, Watts offers singular insights into the real man behind the flamboyant public persona. He shows Hefner's personal dichotomiesโthe pleasure seeker and the workaholic, the consort of countless Playmates and the genuine romantic, the family man and the Gatsby-like host of lavish parties at his Chicago and Los Angeles mansions who enjoys well-publicized affairs with numerous Playmates, the fan of life's simple pleasures who hobnobs with the Hollywood elite. Punctuated with descriptions and anecdotes of life at the Playboy Mansions, Mr. Playboy tells the compelling and uniquely American story of how one person with a provocative idea, a finger on the pulse of popular opinion, and a passion for his work altered the course of modern history.
Bug Fire
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature!
NexusNomad
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. ๐ An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures โ count me in! ๐งน๐ Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Iron Butterfly
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Blinker
ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
CuriousCoder
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection โ it's a parenting win! Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. Savoring audiobooks without fuss โ this app's design is impressive.
Duke Electro
With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ๐ Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! ๐๐ซ Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content.
Mr. Spy
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. โญ๏ธ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality โ I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ๐๐ง Binaural audio processing is a game-changer โ my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Mad Kid
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys โ thank you, app! Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. The app's performance is remarkable โ it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use.
Bad Badminton
Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly โ this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible.
Honey
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Sidewalk Enforcer
Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient โ it's like having a personal narrator. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience.
Spoiler
Audiobook journey simplified โ this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits.
Chapstick
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. Effortless audiobook management โ this app's usability is a winner. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Cabbie
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines โ it's a game-changer.
Blister
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly โ this app's functionality is commendable. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
ManBreaker
ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. ๐ฑ Carrying my library in my pocket โ this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ๐๐ Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless.
Hoboken Nightingale
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. ๐ง๐ฑ ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! ListenBookโs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
CuriousCoder
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
101
๐ Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ๐๐ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
ThoughtTrailblazer
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. ๐ช Crushing workouts while devouring books โ this app makes fitness fun and educational! ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ๐
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