Book description
A diverse history of the pipes--from inspiring terror on battlefields to enriching cultures worldwide.History's first named bagpiper is a man playing a pipe 'with a bag tucked under his armpit' in the first century CE. He was the Roman Emperor Nero. Since then, this improbable conflation of bag and sticks has become the world's most beloved and contested instrument. Another piping emperor, Tsar Peter the Great, decided that his departed pet bear would live on--as a bagpipe.This vivid history tells the long story of an instrument boasting over 130 varieties, yet commonly associated with just one, from one country: Scotland's Great Highland Bagpipe. In fact, the pipes are played across the globe, illuminating societies in remarkable, unexpected ways. Richard McLauchlan charts the rise of women pipers; investigates class, privilege and capitalism in the piping world; and explores how a 'national instrument' can shift in meaning amidst the currents of identity.The vibrancy and inventiveness of today's pipers showcase the allure of this fabled, fascinating instrument, to which McLauchlan is our surefooted guide.
Jersey
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Saber-RED
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy โ it's eye-opening. ๐ก Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house โ it's like having a helper! ๐ ๐ ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineโgood narration, decent storyโbut it didnโt leave a lasting impression. If youโre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
RetroMirage
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackโit's all up to me! ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Miss Mustard
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
High Deck
๐๐ Road trips have never been this entertaining โ this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ๐๐ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey.
Honey
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning.
Po1son
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. Audiobook joy made simple โ this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
CuriousCoder
Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itโs perfect for my needs.
East Army
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus! WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Nessie Pork
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
Mindless Bobcat
Audiobook multitasking simplified โ this app's functionality is a triumph. With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
Kazmii
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly โ this app's design is top-notch. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. I love the car mode. Itโs so convenient for listening while driving.
Twinkle
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ๐๐ง Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
IceDog
ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app.
LunaStar
Audiobook immersion without fuss โ this app's ease of use is commendable. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. Iโd listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Homerun Diva
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features โ from chapters to playback controls. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience.
Noisy Girl
Download options are plenty โ I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook.
Toolmaker
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. ๐งโโ๏ธ Finding zen through storytelling โ this app makes meditation even more calming. ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ง
Shamrock
No more fighting over the radio during family trips โ we're all hooked on audiobooks now. This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ๐ถ๐ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling โ audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. ๐ง๐
Cinder Coffee
This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
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