Book description
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 GILDER LEHRMAN LINCOLN PRIZE From the New York Times bestselling presidential biographer comes the greatest untold story of the Civil War: how two American presidents faced off as the fate of the nation hung in the balance—and how Abraham Lincoln came to embrace emancipation as the last, best chance to save the Union. Of all the books written on Abraham Lincoln, there has been one surprising gap: the drama of how the “railsplitter” from Illinois grew into his critical role as U.S. commander-in-chief, and managed to outwit his formidable opponent, Jefferson Davis, in what remains history's only military faceoff between rival American presidents. Davis was a trained soldier and war hero; Lincoln a country lawyer who had only briefly served in the militia. Confronted with the most violent and challenging war ever seen on American soil, Lincoln seemed ill-suited to the task: inexperienced, indecisive, and a poor judge of people’s motives, he allowed his administration's war policies to be sabotaged by fickle, faithless cabinet officials while entrusting command of his army to a preening young officer named George McClellan – whose defeat in battle left Washington, the nation’s capital, at the mercy of General Robert E. Lee, Davis’s star performer. The war almost ended there. But in a Shakespearean twist, Lincoln summoned the courage to make, at last, a climactic decision: issuing as a “military necessity” a proclamation freeing the 3.5 million enslaved Americans without whom the South could not feed or fund their armed insurrection. The new war policy doomed the rebellion—which was in dire need of support from Europe, none of whose governments now would dare to recognize rebel “independence” in a war openly fought over slavery. The fate of President Davis was sealed. With a cast of unforgettable characters, from first ladies to fugitive coachmen to treasonous cabinet officials, Lincoln vs. Davis is a spellbinding dual biography from renowned presidential chronicler Nigel Hamilton: a saga that will surprise, touch, and enthrall.
Jersey
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Lady In Red
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all.
ForumFusion
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. 🏃♀️📖 Running with purpose – this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! 🏃♀️📚 Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. 📖📱 Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌
Shimmy Shammy
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Solitaire
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session.
Sass Burst
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. 📱📖 The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver.
Kitchen
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Sweet Bacon
This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. 🌌🎧
NoiseFire
The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Sun Runner
Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
PixelPathfinder
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫
DuckDuck
I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Lady Fantastic
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket – truly amazing! I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories.
Burn
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! 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.
Truth
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session?
Centurion Sherman
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Swan Mustang
I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Bug Fire
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature.
King Panther
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift.
Bad Beret
💪 Achieving double wins – workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! 💪🎧 🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
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