Book description
A charming and indispensable tour of two thousand years of the written word, Shady Characters weaves a fascinating trail across the parallel histories of language and typography. Whether investigating the asterisk (*) and dagger (+)--which alternately illuminated and skewered heretical verses of the early Bible--or the at sign (@), which languished in obscurity for centuries until rescued by the Internet, Keith Houston draws on myriad sources to chart the life and times of these enigmatic squiggles, both exotic (ยถ) and everyday (&).From the Library of Alexandria to the halls of Bell Labs, figures as diverse as Charlemagne, Vladimir Nabokov, and George W. Bush cross paths with marks as obscure as the interrobang (?) and as divisive as the dash (--). Ancient Roman graffiti, Venetian trading shorthand, Cold War double agents, and Madison Avenue round out an ever more diverse set of episodes, characters, and artifacts.Richly illustrated, ranging across time, typographies, and countries, Shady Characters will delight and entertain all who cherish the unpredictable and surprising in the writing life.
About the Author
Keith Houston is the author of Shady Characters and The Book. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, Mental Floss, BBC Culture, and on Time.com. He lives in Birmingham, England.
Sky
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. 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! This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Guncap Slingbad
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. ๐ก Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks โ this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Baked ZD
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it! I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere. 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!
PixelPathfinder
With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere โ it's a reader's dream come true. ๐ Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. ๐งโจ
LerveDr
๐ถ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators โ audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. ๐ต๐ Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
DragonBlood
Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
Lightening Trip
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality โ it's evident in every feature. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Evil Smith
ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best! ListenBookโs interface is beautiful and functional. Itโs my favorite app for audiobooks.
ShadowFax
I'm hooked on this app โ it's like Netflix for book lovers! Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze โ thank you, app developers!
Babe
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Shady Prairie
I can't get enough of this app's convenience โ it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Bombay Shivers
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading.
Sienna Princess
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. Savoring audiobooks without complications โ this app's design is top-notch. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
AirportHobo XD
Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Frosty Sunshine
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itโs a fun feature. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnโt blown away. The narratorโs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Gro
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. ๐๏ธ๐ง Packing for vacation just got better โ this app is my getaway entertainment! ๐ด๐ I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itโs a fun feature.
Elektrik
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction.
MuseMaster
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon โ this app is my relaxation buddy! ๐๏ธ๐ง I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
xSTORMx
I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. ๐ฑ๐ The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
White Swan
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration โ it's like flipping through pages. ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itโs a fun feature.
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