Book description
An inside account of one of the most innovative R&D ecosystems of the 20th century, from the man who was at the center of it all. Over a 60-year career in public affairs, Vannevar Bush--engineer, inventor, educator, and public face of government-funded science--sought to eliminate roadblocks to innovation in science and technology. In Pieces of the Action, a collection of memoir-essays, he reflects on his role in shaping the policies and organizations that powered American research and development in the mid-20th century. As the architect and administrator of an R&D pipeline that efficiently coordinated the work of civilian scientists and the military during World War II, he was central to catalyzing the development of radar and the proximity fuze, the mass production of penicillin, and the initiation of the Manhattan Project. Pieces of the Action offers his hard-won lessons on how to operate and manage effectively within complex organizations, build bridges between people and disciplines, and drive ambitious, unprecedented programs to fruition. With wry humor, Bush also shares personal observations and anecdotes--pelting cows with apples, poking fun at servicemen who tried to keep his own invention secret from him--that offer a glimpse of the personality behind the accolades. Originally published in 1970, this updated edition includes 15 archival images from Bush's life and career and a foreword from entrepreneur and Idea Machines podcast host Ben Reinhardt that contextualizes the lessons Pieces of the Action can offer to contemporary readers: that change depends both on heroic individuals and effective organizations; that a leader's job is one of coordination; and that the path from idea to innovation is a long and winding one, inextricably bound to those involved--those enduring figures who have a piece of the action.
Amphibi-Dangerous
Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Petite Beauty
๐ Embracing reading in the digital age โ this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Alley Frog
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Street Squirrel
๐ฅ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger โ this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. ๐ฑ๐ Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Sky Trinity
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. ๐ง An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand โ this app is pure convenience! ๐๐ The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iโve 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!
Spoiler
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book โ so convenient! My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Dahlia Bumble
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorโs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsโjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Mule Lock
This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge โ talk about efficiency! Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. Enhancing my daily routines โ this app's design makes listening a joy.
Knight Light
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. I can't get enough of this app โ it's like having a personal library with me. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
Lady Q
Seamless audiobook integration โ this app's design is a true delight. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
Highlander Monk
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines โ it's a game-changer. Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ๐๐ง The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
Gentle Avenger
I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Paris Boost
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze โ a true travel essential. The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
VisionVortex
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection.
Trash Master
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. ๐ Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner โ this app adds flavor to every meal! ๐ฒ๐ Savoring stories has never been this smooth โ this app's functionality is genius. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightโnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Cosmo
The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ๐๐ฑ Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. 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!
Necromancer
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app โ it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Canary Apple Red
ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. ListenBookโs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Golden Cougar
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. I can't get enough of this app's convenience โ it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. 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.
Lady Q
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. 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!
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