Book description
Tolkien's Smith of Wootton Major stands as a luminous gem among his lesser-known works, a contemplative and elegantly crafted narrative that diverges from the epic scope of The Lord of the Rings to explore subtler themes of art, mortality, and the elusive boundary between the real and the imagined. Originally conceived as a preface to George MacDonald's The Golden Key, the story evolved into a deeply personal meditation on the nature of fantasy and its role in human experience. Written toward the end of Tolkien's creative life, it reflects the maturity of a mind long immersed in myth and language.
The tale follows Smith, a humble man from the village of Wootton Major, who, through an act of kindness in his youth, gains the ability to enter Faery-a realm both wondrous and perilous. Unlike the grand struggles of Middle-earth, this story unfolds with quiet introspection, examining how encounters with the numinous shape a life across time. Tolkien's prose is restrained yet evocative, carrying the weight of his lifelong scholarly engagement with myth and legend.
This audiobook edition offers more than just a reading; it presents the text with reverence, allowing the lyrical cadences of Tolkien's language to resonate anew. Accompanied by insights into the story's development and enriched by previously unpublished materials, including early drafts and Tolkien's own reflections on the essence of Faery, it provides listeners with a fuller understanding of his artistic vision. For those familiar with Tolkien's legendarium, Smith of Wootton Major reveals unexpected connections to his broader mythological world, while standing independently as a poignant exploration of creativity and transcendence.
Avenge Paws
This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. 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.
ThoughtTracer
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Troubadour
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Daisy Stick
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Gullyway
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer!
Hog Butcher
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique.
DeathDancer
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
Demo Tequila
With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
RiddleRanger
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content.
Midnight Rambler
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Bourbon Mirage
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Spooky Yellowjacket
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Buckshot
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Soiled Dove
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NexusNomad
I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Snow Cream
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Flash
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Sly Bible
I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
CommandX
I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
Sw33per
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive.
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