Book description
The enthralling story of how today's largest language family, spoken by nearly half the world's population, descended from one ancient dialect.Daughter. Duhitár-. Dustr. Dukte. Listen to these English, Sanskrit, Armenian and Lithuanian words, all meaning the same thing, and you hear echoes of one of history's most unlikely journeys. All four languages-along with hundreds of others, from French and Gaelic, to Persian and Polish-trace their origins to an ancient tongue spoken as the last ice age receded. This language, which we call Proto-Indo-European, was born between Europe and Asia and exploded out of its cradle, fragmenting as it spread east and west. Its last speaker died thousands of years ago, yet Proto-Indo-European lives on in its myriad linguistic offspring and in some of our best loved works of literature, including Dante's Inferno and the Rig Veda, The Lord of the Rings and the love poetry of Rumi. How did this happen?Acclaimed journalist Laura Spinney set out to answer that question, retracing the Indo-European odyssey across continents and millennia. With her we travel the length of the steppe, navigating the Caucasus, the silk roads and the Hindu Kush. We retrace the epic journeys of nomads and monks, warriors and kings - the ancient peoples who carried these languages far and wide. In the present, Spinney meets the scientists on a thrilling mission to retrieve the lost languages and their speakers: the linguists, archaeologists and geneticists who have reconstructed that ancient diaspora. What they have learned has profound implications for our modern world, because people and their languages are on the move again. Proto is a revelatory portrait of world history in its own words.
Racy Lion
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
Divine Quasar
⭐️ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! 🧹🏰 Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. 🎧📱 ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Accidental Genius
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
GuTzd
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Dr. Jam Man
No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library.
Suicide Crusher
I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls. This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime – I'm truly grateful. Savoring audiobooks without fuss – this app's design is impressive. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Twisty Freesia
The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. 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!
Night Magnet
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. 📱 Carrying my library in my pocket – this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! 📚👜 The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. 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.
Z-Boy
⭐️ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. 📚👏 I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Eye Candy Kitten
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. 🚶♀️📖 Exploring stories as I stroll – audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. 🏞️🎧 The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
1st Degree
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Most Wanted
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Paris Boost
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book – so convenient! Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature. The app is lightweight and doesn’t drain my battery.
Turnip King
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Queen Ginger
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish.
Zesty Dragon
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Dez Bonbon
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Flint Cast-Iron
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Marigold Loot
Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
The Shield Toronto
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing.
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