Book description
Imagine the weight of a single decision pressing down on the world, felt in the clatter of a 1920s telegraph, the hushed urgency in a London boardroom, the crackle of a crackling radio broadcast. Liaquat Ahamed's Lords of Finance isn't just history; it's a masterclass in how human frailty, ambition, and fear, whispered over decades, can shatter an entire global order. As an audiobook, it's utterly immersive, Ahamed's prose painting vivid, almost tangible scenes: the stiff formality of Montagu Norman's London office, the raw tension in Hjalmar Schacht's Berlin meetings, the quiet desperation beneath Benjamin Strong's energetic facade. You hear the echoes of their choices in the very rhythm of the narration.
Ahamed, a former investment manager with deep institutional roots, doesn't just tell you what happened. He makes you feel the suffocating pressure of those four men-the Bank of England's enigmatic Norman, the xenophobic French banker Moreau, the arrogant Schacht, the overburdened Strong-locked in a desperate, shared mission: to return the world to the gold standard, believing it the only shield against inflation's terror. Their shared fear, their flawed vision, becomes palpable. You hear the subtle shifts in the audiobook's tone as their fragile consensus begins to fray, the gold standard's promise turning to a straitjacket as cracks widen. The narration captures the slow, dreadful realization: their attempt to fix the world's financial wounds only deepened them.
This isn't dry economics. It's a human drama of hubris and consequence, played out on a global stage. Ahamed reveals how their interconnected, often misjudged actions-fueled by personal quirks and national anxieties-directly paved the path to 1929 and the Great Depression's devastating human toll. Listening, you sense the profound irony: their fear of inflation led directly to the collapse they sought to prevent. The audiobook's strength lies in its relentless focus on the people behind the institutions, making their monumental errors feel terrifyingly real and immediate. You don't just learn about the Depression; you experience the chilling, slow-motion unraveling of a world held together by fragile, human hands. In an age of financial turbulence echoing 1929, Lords of Finance isn't merely a history lesson-it's a vital, deeply human warning, delivered with the quiet intensity of a story told just before the storm breaks. The audiobook format makes this complex history not just accessible, but profoundly resonant, its lessons whispering urgently in your ear long after the final chapter.
Pocket Mazda
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ππ§ Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Slint FUBAR
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Lskeee
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnβt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Twitch
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Lightweight
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Chuckles
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session.
InfinityInsight
I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
Indestructible Potato
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Palomino
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best.
Jester
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Petite Beauty
This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Freeway
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly β it's a game-changer. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
Pitfall Whiskers
I love that I can download content directly from the internet within the ListenBook app β so handy! Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Wooden German
This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
BlacKitten
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
Snow Hound
This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it!
Guillotine
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Valley Guardian
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Dancing Madman
ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content.
Pistol Hydro
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel.
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