Book description
"The beauty and levity that Perry and Gabriele have captured in this book are what I think will help it to become a standard text for general audiences for years to come....The Bright Ages is a rare thing--a nuanced historical work that almost anyone can enjoy reading."--Slate"Incandescent and ultimately intoxicating." --The Boston GlobeA lively and magisterial popular history that refutes common misperceptions of the European Middle Ages, showing the beauty and communion that flourished alongside the dark brutality--a brilliant reflection of humanity itself.The word "medieval" conjures images of the "Dark Ages"--centuries of ignorance, superstition, stasis, savagery, and poor hygiene. But the myth of darkness obscures the truth; this was a remarkable period in human history. The Bright Ages recasts the European Middle Ages for what it was, capturing this 1,000-year era in all its complexity and fundamental humanity, bringing to light both its beauty and its horrors. The Bright Ages takes us through ten centuries and crisscrosses Europe and the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa, revisiting familiar people and events with new light cast upon them. We look with fresh eyes on the Fall of Rome, Charlemagne, the Vikings, the Crusades, and the Black Death, but also to the multi-religious experience of Iberia, the rise of Byzantium, and the genius of Hildegard and the power of queens. We begin under a blanket of golden stars constructed by an empress with Germanic, Roman, Spanish, Byzantine, and Christian bloodlines and end nearly 1,000 years later with the poet Dante--inspired by that same twinkling celestial canopy--writing an epic saga of heaven and hell that endures as a masterpiece of literature today. The Bright Ages reminds us just how permeable our manmade borders have always been and of what possible worlds the past has always made available to us. The Middle Ages may have been a world "lit only by fire" but it was one whose torches illuminated the magnificent rose windows of cathedrals, even as they stoked the pyres of accused heretics. The Bright Ages contains an 8-page color insert.
TeederSmartie
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Cowboy Booter
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Heavenly Connection
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Demo Tequila
π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. 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!
CodeExia
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. 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!
Sly Silvermoon
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. π Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! ππ« Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Pixie
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine β it's my ultimate audio companion. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back!
Midnight Rider
Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Steel Heart
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks β it's truly invigorating. πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Opulent Gamer
π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze.
Pinball Wizard
This app has completely transformed my commute β I look forward to it now! The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life β it's a unique experience. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient!
Sky Bully
ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ 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! π±π§
Gold Dahlia
This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Highlander Monk
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Lskeee
I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
Hyper Kong
π Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey β thank you, this app! β¨π The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
QuestWeaver
π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Tangerine
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
ByteBard
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover.
QuestQuill
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. 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