Book description
An idiosyncratic guidebook to architectural (and other) wonders of Italy, accompanied by the author's own witty illustrations. In Some Reasons for Traveling to Italy, architect Peter Wilson offers a Grand Tour of Grand Tours, providing an idiosyncratic guidebook to architectural (and other) wonders of Italy, illustrated by his own witty watercolors and sketches. Wilson chronicles the reasons that people throughout history have traveled to Italy--ranging from "To Be the Subject of an Equestrian Painting by Uccello in Florence Cathedral" to "To Rebuild Herculaneum in Malibu" (the desire of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty in the 1970s)--while giving readers a deeper understanding of Italy's architectural habitat and cultural mythology. In Wilson's narratives and anecdotes, place names function as talismans; the events may not tally with recorded history, or with the exact topographies of actual places. Wilson offers historical reworkings, appropriations, and an architect's scrutiny of certain Italian tropes. He recounts that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, set out "To Flee England Out of Embarrassment" after breaking wind when he bowed to Queen Elizabeth I; French novelist Stendhal went "To Discover an Anti-France"; and an English architect went "To Get Some Ideas for a Mausoleum." At the first Venice Biennale of Architecture in 1980, a dapper architect found that he had come to Italy "To Fall Overboard in a White Suit," the artist Cy Twombly went simply "To See," and Wilson himself found that he was "Captured by the Ospedale Degli Innocenti," enchanted by the sight of Brunelleschi's architrave.
Cardinal Rebel
This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. 🏃♀️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – audiobooks make my runs more exciting! 🏃♀️🎧 The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
Microwave Chardonnay
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. ListenBook's comprehensive format support makes it the ultimate companion for audiobook enthusiasts. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
SWAT Honey
Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! 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.
Father Abbot
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. 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!
Pinup Diva
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
FRMhndshk
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. 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. 📱📖 ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets!
Captain Peroxide
With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. 🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫 Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Broomspun
This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier – this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. 🎧🏞️ Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Lucky Aurora
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Hemlock
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly.
Spooky Yellowjacket
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. 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!
Killer Curio
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Lounge Master
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. 🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚
Kamikaze Grandma
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Geneva Cuffs
I can't stop raving about this app – it's like having a personal library in my pocket. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Dr. WMD
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Twisty Dew
The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another.
Swan Mustang
The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable. 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!
Cool Law Topping
Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Deano
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
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