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.
EchoExplorer
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youโre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Contrary Mary
Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds โ this app's functionality is genius. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. 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.
Chicago Blackout
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. ๐ฑ Audiobooks at my fingertips โ this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ๐๐ฅ ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer!
Sherm
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Automatic Slicer
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Tomcat
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition โ I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate.
Nice Gnome
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling.
ELLerG!c
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive!
Kawaii Red
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library.
Winded On Friday
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. ListenBook is packed with useful features. Itโs the best audiobook app Iโve used. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve 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!
Diamond Gamer
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers.
Rummy Stickers
๐ Embracing reading in the busiest of times โ this app is my everyday escape! ๐๐โโ๏ธ This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. ListenBookโs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Houston
This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Duchess
Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
Video Game Heroine
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ๐๐
General Finish
๐ฉโ๐ณ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! ๐ณ๐ง Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve found. The interface is clean and easy to use. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Bad Princess
๐ถ๐ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling โ audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. ๐ง๐ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
RealmRanger
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ๐๐
Stallion Patton
The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
WeldMaster
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
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