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.
Sexy
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
Easy Sweep
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Queen Bee
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis.
Sass Burst
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
Tweety Bun Bun
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! ποΈ The app's functionality is a true work of art β it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ππ¨ 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
Palomino
I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨ The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable.
Star Killer
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically.
Hightower
The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature!
Daffy Girl
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
Esquire
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist.
Phoenix Tetra
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience.
Freeze Queen
ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Versace-Cat
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories.
InsightfulInk
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
QuestWeaver
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences.
PepperBurst
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available β there's something for everyone. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection.
Shady Lady
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner.
Howitzer Rise
An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§ Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§
CommandX
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption.
Murder Matter
Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ«
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