Book description
From the acclaimed author of Brunelleschi's Dome and Leonardo and the Last Supper, the riveting story of how Michelangelo, against all odds, created the masterpiece that has ever since adorned the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In 1508, despite strong advice to the contrary, the powerful Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo Buonarroti to paint the ceiling of the newly restored Sistine Chapel in Rome. Despite having completed his masterful statue David four years earlier, he had little experience as a painter, even less working in the delicate medium of fresco, and none with challenging curved surfaces such as the Sistine ceiling's vaults. The temperamental Michelangelo was himself reluctant: He stormed away from Rome, incurring Julius's wrath, before he was eventually persuaded to begin. Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling recounts the fascinating story of the four extraordinary years he spent laboring over the twelve thousand square feet of the vast ceiling, while war and the power politics and personal rivalries that abounded in Rome swirled around him. A panorama of illustrious figures intersected during this time-the brilliant young painter Raphael, with whom Michelangelo formed a rivalry; the fiery preacher Girolamo Savonarola and the great Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus; a youthful Martin Luther, who made his only trip to Rome at this time and was disgusted by the corruption all around him. Ross King blends these figures into a magnificent tapestry of day-to-day life on the ingenious Sistine scaffolding and outside in the upheaval of early-sixteenth-century Italy, while also offering uncommon insight into the connection between art and history.
Pexxious
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life – it's a unique experience. Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature!
Eerie
I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze.
Knock Out Star
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
Lime
Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is a triumph. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Drop Stone
Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Biscuit Meg
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Scuffs
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
Pistol Hydro
The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Raggedy Ann
🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Trash
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win.
Kazami of Truth
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it! I’m blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and I’ve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Racy Babe
🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a winner.
Cosmo
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
Jigsaw
No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. 📖📱 ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket.
Slug-em-dog
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
Babe
ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧 The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks!
Bones
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! 🌟📚 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. 📱📖
Moxie
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. 🏝️🎧 Packing for vacation just got better – this app is my getaway entertainment! 🌴📖 The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
Wiccan Thunder
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again – it's a must-have app. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically.
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