Book description
When Roy Fisher told Gael Turnbull in 1960 that he had 'started writing like mad' and produced 'a sententious prose book, about the length of a short novel, called the Citizen' he was registering a sea change in his work, finding a mode to express his almost visceral connection with Birmingham in a way that drew on his sensibility and a wealth of materials that could last a lifetime. Much later in his career he would say that 'Birmingham is what I think with.' This 'mélange of evocation, maundering, imagining, fiction and autobiography,' as he called it, was written 'so as to be able to have a look at myself & see what I think.'All that was known of this work before Fisher's death in 2017 is that fragments from it had been used as the prose sections in City and that - never otherwise published - it was thought not to have survived. This proved not to be the case, and in The Citizen and the Making of City, Peter Robinson, the poet's literary executor, has edited the breakthrough fragment and placed it in conjunction with the first 1961 published version of Fisher's signature collage of poetry and prose, along with a never published longer manuscript of it found among the poet's archive at the University of Sheffield, and some previously unpublished poems that were considered for inclusion during the complex evolution of the work that Robinson tracks in his introduction.By offering in a single publication the definitive 1969 text, two variant versions of City, its prose origins in The Citizen and continuation in Then Hallucinations, as well as some of the poetry left behind, this landmark publication offers a unique insight into Roy Fisher's most emblematic work. It is supplemented with an anthology of Fisher's own comments on City and a secondary bibliography of criticism on his profound response to changes wrought upon England's industrial cities in the middle of the 20th century.'City's subject matter is urban, the technique a blend of the surreal, expressionist, realist and cubist, the whole thing almost cinematic in its abrupt transitions and dislocations... Most of the lineaments of Fisher's mature work are present in City...a remarkable achievement for a writer in his twenties. He sets out to write about an actual city but to "dissolve" its particulars and make them strange, until it becomes as much an inner perceptual field as a post-industrial Midlands wasteland... 'There is no poet alive whose work has challenged or interested me more.' - August Kleinzahler'Fisher stands outside, or alongside, whatever else is happening, an English late modernist whose experiments tend to come off. He is a poet of the city - his native Birmingham, which he describes as "what I think with". He is a redeemer of the ordinary, often a great artist of the visible... His range is large: he suits both extreme brevity and book-length exploration; his seeming improvisations have a way of turning into architecture. The best place to start is The Long and the Short of It. It might look and sound like nothing on earth at first, but then it becomes indispensable.' - Sean O'Brien, The Guardian
Lilac Lizard
Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
White Swan
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out. 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! I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Doz Killer
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. 🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧
London Fox
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. 👩🍳 Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales – cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! 🍳🎧 🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧 Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
Freesia
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! Audiobooks made delightful – this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
EchoEnigma
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices.
ThoughtTrailblazer
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. 🌌 Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. 🎧✨ Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset.
Pexxious
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length – I'm in!
Lord Nikon
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. 💡 Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder – thank you, this app! 📱📖 Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
MythMaker
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Queen Ginger
No more fighting over the radio during family trips – we're all hooked on audiobooks now. 🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚 Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight.
Station WMD
The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Plenty Orange
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
Shamrock
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧 🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
xFRST
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind – and this app is my partner in crime. I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze – thank you, app developers! Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine.
Jungle King
Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance! ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
Hoboken Nightingale
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me! The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Star Jammer
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. The narrator's voices are so soothing – a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. 📚 Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions – audiobooks make it a breeze! 👗🎧
Cool Law Topping
This app has reignited my passion for literature – I'm devouring books like never before. ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. 📱 Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward – this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. 📚💫 Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner.
Pepper
ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
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