Book description
Ian Buruma explores the life and death of Baruch Spinoza, the Enlightenment thinker whose belief in freedom of thought and speech resonates in our own time A New Yorker "Best Book of 2024" Selection "An elegant, relevant biography of a vital thinker."-Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Baruch (Benedictus) Spinoza (1632-1677) was a radical free thinker who led a life guided by strong moral principles despite his disbelief in an all-seeing God. Seen by many-Christians as well as Jews-as Satan's disciple during his lifetime, Spinoza has been regarded as a secular saint since his death. Many contradictory beliefs have been attached to his name: rationalism or metaphysics, atheism or pantheism, liberalism or despotism, Jewishness or anti-Semitism. However, there is no question that he viewed freedom of thought and speech as essential to an open and free society. In this insightful account, the award-winning author Ian Buruma stresses the importance of the time and place that shaped Spinoza, beginning with the Sephardim of Amsterdam and followed by the politics of the Dutch Republic. Though Spinoza rejected the basic assumptions of his family's faith, and was consequently expelled from his Sephardic community, Buruma argues that Spinoza did indeed lead a Jewish life: a modern Jewish life. To Heine, Hess, Marx, Freud, and no doubt many others today, Spinoza exemplified how to be Jewish without believing in Judaism. His defense of universal freedom is as important for our own time as it was in his.
Pockets
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a technological marvel. The app is so intuitive. I didn’t even need to read the instructions.
VileHero
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. 📱 It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. 📚🔥
Avenge Paws
Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
Sugar Domino
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. 📱 My pocket-sized library – this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! 📚📱 ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Mr. Wholesome
The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch.
MythMaker
This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story.
Bones
Streamlining audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. 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.
Street Jolly
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. 📚 Turning my phone into a portal of stories – this app's ease of use is remarkable! 📱💫 🎧 My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. 📚🍳 Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Danqqqqq
Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
Saint La-Z-Boy
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. 🚶♀️🎧 Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks – pure bliss! 🏞️📚
General Broomdog
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Raid Bucker
I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
WanderWord
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer – I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use – it's a reader's dream come true. 🎉 This app has turned my errands into exciting quests – I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! 🛒📖 Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius.
Snowflake Pixie
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is remarkable. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
High Beam
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze.
Sexual Chocolate
This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work! This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. 📱 Carrying stories wherever I go – this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. 📚🛍️ Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Pixie Soldier
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless.
ThreadTrail
🏡 Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background – talk about productivity! 🧼📖 📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟 ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Overrun
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around.
Hex Panther
ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
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