Book description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The harrowing story of one of the great feats of exploration of all time and its complicated legacy--from the New York Times bestselling author of The River of Doubt and Destiny of the Republic A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: THE WASHINGTON POST - GOODREADS "A lean, fast-paced account of the almost absurdly dangerous quest by [Richard Burton and John Speke] to solve the geographic riddle of their era." --The New York Times Book ReviewFor millennia the location of the Nile River's headwaters was shrouded in mystery. In the 19th century, there was a frenzy of interest in ancient Egypt. At the same time, European powers sent off waves of explorations intended to map the unknown corners of the globe - and extend their colonial empires. Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke were sent by the Royal Geographical Society to claim the prize for England. Burton spoke twenty-nine languages, and was a decorated soldier. He was also mercurial, subtle, and an iconoclastic atheist. Speke was a young aristocrat and Army officer determined to make his mark, passionate about hunting, Burton's opposite in temperament and beliefs. From the start the two men clashed. They would endure tremendous hardships, illness, and constant setbacks. Two years in, deep in the African interior, Burton became too sick to press on, but Speke did, and claimed he found the source in a great lake that he christened Lake Victoria. When they returned to England, Speke rushed to take credit, disparaging Burton. Burton disputed his claim, and Speke launched another expedition to Africa to prove it. The two became venomous enemies, with the public siding with the more charismatic Burton, to Speke's great envy. The day before they were to publicly debate, Speke shot himself. Yet there was a third man on both expeditions, his name obscured by imperial annals, whose exploits were even more extraordinary. This was Sidi Mubarak Bombay, who was enslaved and shipped from his home village in East Africa to India. When the man who purchased him died, he made his way into the local Sultan's army, and eventually traveled back to Africa, where he used his resourcefulness, linguistic prowess and raw courage to forge a living as a guide. Without Bombay and men like him, who led, carried, and protected the expedition, neither Englishman would have come close to the headwaters of the Nile, or perhaps even survived. In River of the Gods Candice Millard has written another peerless story of courage and adventure, set against the backdrop of the race to exploit Africa by the colonial powers.
Houston
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life.
Slug-em-dog
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers.
Flint
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯ Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Racy Lion
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Voodoo Cyclone
This app has revolutionized my daily routine β I can't imagine life without it. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze.
Dredd
ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
BuffFreak
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§
Bombay Shivers
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight.
Y0dler
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively.
SprkR
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Sly Bible
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Flyswat Briggs
ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
WanderWord
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story!
Lope Lope
π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
Lucky Martian
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. ππ± I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better.
PixelPathfinder
Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
LerveDr
ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
Father Abbot
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Wrangler Jim
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. ListenBookβs CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Helmet Destroyer
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
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