Book description
"A searching, accessible, and often ecstatic book." -Wall Street Journal"Not many authors could find a way to interweave abstruse art theory with discussions of squid and their glorious "dynamic tattoos," elephants who paint, and Paleolithic cave art, but Rothenberg succeeds, with this entertaining wander through the world of art and the places where it intersects science." -Publishers Weekly"[a] bravura investigation..with verve, multidiscipline fluency, and an encompassing vision, Rothenberg accomplishes his mission to change the way we perceive and understand the intertwining of natural evolution and human cultural evolution, beauty and life, art and science." -Booklist (starred)"The colour blue rules for the male satin bowerbird of Australia. The interior decorators of the avian world, they gather plastic, shells and feathers of that hue to adorn their meticulously built stick structures, all to lure a potential mate. This is just one indication, argues philosopher and musician David Rothenberg, that beauty is not random but is intrinsic to life--and that evolution proceeds by sumptuousness, not by utility alone. Rothenberg covers topics such as camouflage, abstraction, the profound impact of art on science and much more to explore his theme." -Nature"A door-opener to new ideas and connective tissue in the skeleton of science, particularly biology and Darwin's theory of evolution. Chances are good you'll find Mr. Rothenberg's 'mad quest for some evidence of aesthetic ideas in the very way nature is put together' to be persuasive." -New York Journal of Books"Rothenberg is a learned and thoughtful guide across the realms of science and art." -Washington Independent Review of Books"[Rothenberg] seems uniquely qualified to be herald and interlocutor for the present convergence of biology and art." -Chronogram magazine"I have been waiting for a long time for a book like Survival of the Beautiful that suffers not a jot of art's inferiority complex in the age of science ... It's one terrific romp through the ineffable and embracing glory of the aesthetic experience." -Alison Hawthorne Deming, Orion"This is the triumphant lesson of Survival of the Beautiful: nature is not entirely red in tooth and claw, it also allows the beautiful right of passage." -Peter Forbes, The Guardian (UK)"Rothenberg's passionate optimism - a belief in the beauty of nature, and vice versa--together with his elegant prose turns Survival of the Beautiful into an exhilarating and thought-provoking trip." -Philip Hoare, The Telegraph (UK)"Survival of the Beautiful is a wild ride. At its heart is a wonderful wish: to make us see the stories and the beauty in everything from the warbles of flying cranes to the cries of crows, From the shape-shifting squid to the bower-building bird, to the elephant and to the cryptic moth, which hides beneath his drab wing-tops a flash of crimson red." -William Bryant Logan, Toronto Globe and Mail"Rothenberg comes to an inspired conclusion: Aesthetic selection introduces a new kind of randomness into nature that unites art and nature, man and beast." -Christopher Potter, Sunday Times of London"Survival of the Beautiful is not just a book about beauty, but a beautiful book. And also an important one, which moves the debate about the biology of aesthetics beyond the cozy fables of evolutionary psychology to probe the deep nature of art and its origins. Both provocative and generous, Rothenberg's work is pervaded with a sense of wonder at and appreciation of the world." -Philip Ball, author of Critical Mass and The Music Instinct"David Rothenberg is a brilliantly fun guide on a journey that takes us from bower birds to the neuroesthetics of Semir Zeki. Survival of the Beautiful is just about the best travel literature of the mind out there. With wit by turns gentle and sharp, Rothenberg shows us how art is shaped by animals, and by us." -Roald Hoffmann, chemist and writer, winner of the Nobel Prize in chemistry"The nerdy mindset of modernity often suffers allergic outbreaks when confronted with the softer side of cognition. Esthetic pleasures are then cordoned off from the serious core work of science. But David Rothenberg makes a convincing case that beauty is an intrinsic aspect of reality. He argues, among other things, that without modern art, modern science would have been hobbled by inadequately challenged cognitive habits. Beauty evolved. Perhaps we should take it seriously." -Jaron Lanier, author of You Are Not a Gadget"What I love about David Rothenberg's work is that he counteracts--with wit, poetry and philosophical subtlety--the prevailing tendency of most nature writers toward biological reductionism. While reporting on the latest scientific conjectures about beauty, human and inhuman, he shows that all our theories still fail to do justice to nature's unutterable strangeness." -John Horgan, author of Rational Mysticism and The End of Science"David Rothenberg is a rarity--an actual polymath--and his writing, like the music he plays, reveals an extraordinary mixture of curiosity, intelligence, and playfulness. Tracing complex ideas that link consciousness, human spirit, and creativity within the framework of Darwinian theory is the sort of book you would expect from a man who makes music with whales and cicadas. Where does the impetus for the making of art and music reside? How does that fit into an evolutionary scheme? Read this book, and enter into Rothenberg's world. You will be rewarded with a exploration of these questions that is both entertaining and revelatory." -David A. Ross, Director Emeritus, Whitney Museum of American Art"A fun, freewheeling discussion of the role of aesthetics in evolution and a celebration of the beauty to be found in the great diversity of life." -Kirkus jQuery(function() { jQuery( "#tabs" ).tabs(); });
Danqqqqq
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion.
King Panther
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality – it's evident in every feature. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Crash Test
🏝️ Basking in the sun with an audiobook – relaxation meets storytelling paradise! ☀️📖 Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. 📚🔊 The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Chapstick
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover.
Potato Sub
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Mirage
Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Light Lion
📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 🏃♂️📚 I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. 📱📖 Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
EchoEnigma
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. 🔥 Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger – this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. 📱📖 ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise.
Little Granger
No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine.
Midas
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! Audiobooks anytime, anywhere – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
Eight Patrol
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations – it's like the app knows me! I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Landfill Max
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
ForumFlare
👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧 Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true standout. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
Chocolate Thunder
My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus!
Raid Bucker
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Delicious Cupid
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Con Mammoth
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling.
RZRWRE
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Mud Finger
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. 📱 My secret to staying well-read – this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! 📚📱 Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy.
FlyGuardX
⏰ Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks – energizing! 🌅🎧 ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings.
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