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
Unseen
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is – it's like being inside the story. Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization – top-notch. With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊
Neophyte Believer
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Dewdrop Doll
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QuestWeaver
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. 🎧 This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! 📚🍳
Pogue
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits – truly impressive. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
180
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
ForumFlare
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! 📱🎧 ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. The app is so intuitive. I didn’t even need to read the instructions.
Handsome
🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖 Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable.
Darth 44
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Impulse
Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best! The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Moonflower
I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. 📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨ The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Capital F
🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions.
Sexual Chocolate
This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. I’d 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.
JigKraken
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. 💼 Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! 💻📖 Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. 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!
BuffFreak
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. 💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖 Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
QuestQuill
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Kickstart
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. 🎉 Making each day a new chapter – this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! 📖🌄 I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Pistol Hydro
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. 🌟 Say goodbye to boredom during long drives – this app makes road trips fly by! 🚗🎉 Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable.
Alberta
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces – this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. 📱🔊 Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Criss Cross
The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback.
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