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.
Ozzie Treat
π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Drop Stone
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes.
Twinkle Cutlass
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use.
Green Ghost
The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Troubadour
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books.
StarStrider
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. πΆπ Replacing tunes with stories β my house is alive with the sound of narration! π§π ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
Don Stab
πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§ Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π
Eye Devil
This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content.
Bug Blitz
No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§
Lady In Red
Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization!
Demand Chopper
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life β it's a unique experience. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ π‘ This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts β it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ππ§ Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable.
ThreadTraveler
Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is impressive. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience.
Flash Protein
ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience β a fantastic feature. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Danger Menace
The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook! 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!
Cross Thread
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time.
Rook
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ ListenBookβs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Ember Rope
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Bourbon Mirage
No more worries about compatibility β ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions. 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!
Essex
This app is a must-have for any book lover on the go β it's my daily companion. βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files!
Starshine
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile!
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