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.
Hoboken Nightingale
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ
Sw33per
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Little Cobra
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Noisy Girl
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Die Slice
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Lucky Martian
Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's functionality is a standout. Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! π±π§ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Runway Darling
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Miss Mustard
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable.
Crumb Cake
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
The Howling Swede
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient β no more complicated processes.
Blade
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. πββοΈπ§ As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§ I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
DreamDiver
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Swampmasher
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Knuckles
I love the car mode. Itβs so convenient for listening while driving. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnβt stop listening.
Fire Fish
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
ByteBard
I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Blister
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Lady Pomegranate
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous.
Insane SweepKick
Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook! ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Orange Teflon
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks! ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
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