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.‘Richly entertaining and perceptive. A revelation for pipers like me, and for anyone interested in how an instrument can transform culture.’ — Alastair Campbell, author of But What Can I Do? and co-host of The Rest Is Politics‘Historically insightful and full of character. Richard has captured the essence and beauty of piping’s vibrant culture with historical, musical and characterful insight.’ — Finlay MacDonald, world-renowned piper and composer‘With infectious enthusiasm for his subject, Richard McLauchlan traces the cultural significance of the bagpipes across the globe and over many centuries. His multi-storied and learned account reveals the bagpipes’ history to be just as intricate and variegated as the most complex piobaireachd/pibroch tunes showcased by its virtuosi practitioners.’ — Clare Jackson, author of Devil-Land: England under Siege 1588-1688
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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