Book description
A lively and provocative account of Bernard Mandeville and the work that scandalized and appalled his contemporaries—and made him one of the most influential thinkers of the eighteenth centuryIn 1714, doctor, philosopher and writer Bernard Mandeville published The Fable of the Bees, a humorous tale in which a prosperous hive full of greedy and licentious bees trade their vices for virtues and immediately fall into economic and societal collapse. Outrage among the reading public followed; philosophers took up their pens to refute what they saw as the fable’s central assertion. How could it be that an immoral community thrived but the introduction of morality caused it to crash and burn? In Man-Devil, John Callanan examines Mandeville and his famous fable, showing how its contentious claim—that vice was essential to the economic flourishing of any society—formed part of Mandeville’s overall theory of human nature. Mandeville, Callanan argues, was perfectly suited to analyze and satirize the emerging phenomenon of modern society—and reveal the gap between its self-image and its reality.Callanan shows that Mandeville’s thinking was informed by his medical training and his innovative approach to the treatment of illness with both physiological and psychological components. Through incisive and controversial analyses of sexual mores, gender inequality, economic structures, and political ideology, Mandeville sought to provide a naturalistic account of human behavior—one that put humans in close continuity with animals. Aware that his fellow human beings might find this offensive, he cloaked his theories in fables, poems, anecdotes, and humorous stories. Mandeville mastered irony precisely for the purpose of making us aware of uncomfortable aspects of our deepest natures—aspects that we still struggle to acknowledge today.
Mr. Spy
ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve 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! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Lava Nibbler
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. 🚗📖 Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration – this app keeps me engaged on the road! 🚗🎧 ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
JK Friend
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
42nd Street
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings.
Stone Boomstick
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
The Dude
🎉📚 Reigniting my passion for books – this app is my newfound reading obsession! 🔥🎧 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Super Flick
I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Raggedy Ann
👩🍳 Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories – this app adds flavor to my meals! 🍳🎧 🌟 This app is a game-changer – its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. 🎉🎧 ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide.
DreamDiver
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph.
RiddleRover
🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖 Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Achilles Mountain
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes.
Old Regret
I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Tse Tse Guy
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. Audiobook lovers, you need this app in your life. The innovative features, from audio filters to compatibility, enhance my reading journey. 🎉🎧 Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
xSTORMx
🏝️ Basking in the sun with an audiobook – relaxation meets storytelling paradise! ☀️📖 Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier – this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. 📱🎧 ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Soiled Dove
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Fire Feline
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales.
Street Jolly
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
Prone
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧 The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
JigKraken
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. ListenBook has given me the gift of time – turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Heaven Sent
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
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