Book description
In the bestselling tradition of Stuff Matters and The Disappearing Spoon a clever and engaging look at materials, the innovations they made possible, and how these technologies changed us. Finalist for the 41st Los Angeles Times Book Award in Science and Technology and selected as one of the Best Summer Science Books Of 2020 by Science Friday. In The Alchemy of Us, scientist and science writer Ainissa Ramirez examines eight inventions--clocks, steel rails, copper communication cables, photographic film, light bulbs, hard disks, scientific labware, and silicon chips--and reveals how they shaped the human experience. Ramirez tells the stories of the woman who sold time, the inventor who inspired Edison, and the hotheaded undertaker whose invention pointed the way to the computer. She describes, among other things, how our pursuit of precision in timepieces changed how we sleep; how the railroad helped commercialize Christmas; how the necessary brevity of the telegram influenced Hemingway's writing style; and how a young chemist exposed the use of Polaroid's cameras to create passbooks to track Black citizens in apartheid South Africa. These fascinating and inspiring stories offer new perspectives on our relationships with technologies.
Fadey
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Gov Skull
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Round Kick Boomer
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Trip
I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. 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!
Landfill Max
ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the love of literature.
Homerun Diva
I can't stop raving about this app β it's like having a personal library in my pocket. No need to convert files anymore β ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
Campfire Mama
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording. 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.
Station WMD
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
Shade Nightman
No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Burn
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection.
RiddleRover
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Phoenix Sparrow
With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening.
Mrs. Voltage
Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
Gov Skull
ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery. 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.
Evil Smith
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ππ± The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
NemesisX
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Riff Raff
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Gothic Gucci
πΌ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories β a true work-life balance! π»π ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
InsightInkwell
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. π Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! π±π Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§
Iron Jesus
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs 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