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.
LoreLoomer
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable.
Station WMD
This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure!
LoreLoomer
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true.
Jester
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. I'm impressed by the app's performance – it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts.
Washer
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Roadspike
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
Lady Q
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket.
MythMaker
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
StorySculptor
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Leaf Assassin
This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. 🎧 Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app – pure listening pleasure! 📚🔥 The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
Bad Badminton
I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫 I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Toolmaker
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest!
NeoGermal
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic! Audiobooks have become a staple in my routine, all thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. It's a must-have for any book lover. 📖📱 Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience.
Screwtape
ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless.
Rosie Bird
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats – this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. 🎉🔊 Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
Mad Rascal
The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. 🎉 The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. 📱🎧 Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze – this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. 📱📖 I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
StorySculptor
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding.
Duchess
With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Reed Lady
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literature.
Toy Town
The voice actors are incredible – they make the characters come alive. ⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧 Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
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