Book description
NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS' CHOICE - The captivating, deeply reported true story of how one of the most notorious novels ever written--Marquis de Sade's 120 Days of Sodom--landed at the heart of one of the biggest scams in modern literary history. "Reading The Curse of the Marquis de Sade, with the Marquis, the sabotage of rare manuscript sales, and a massive Ponzi scheme at its center, felt like a twisty waterslide shooting through a sleazy and bizarre landscape. This book is wild."--Adam McKay, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Described as both "one of the most important novels ever written" and "the gospel of evil," 120 Days of Sodom was written by the Marquis de Sade, a notorious eighteenth-century aristocrat who waged a campaign of mayhem and debauchery across France, evaded execution, and inspired the word "sadism," which came to mean receiving pleasure from pain. Despite all his crimes, Sade considered this work to be his greatest transgression. The original manuscript of 120 Days of Sodom, a tiny scroll penned in the bowels of the Bastille in Paris, would embark on a centuries-spanning odyssey across Europe, passing from nineteenth-century banned book collectors to pioneering sex researchers to avant-garde artists before being hidden away from Nazi book burnings. In 2014, the world heralded its return to France when the scroll was purchased for millions by Gérard Lhéritier, the self-made son of a plumber who had used his savvy business skills to upend France's renowned rare-book market. But the sale opened the door to vendettas by the government, feuds among antiquarian booksellers, manuscript sales derailed by sabotage, a record-breaking lottery jackpot, and allegations of a decade-long billion-euro con, the specifics of which, if true, would make the scroll part of France's largest-ever Ponzi scheme. Told with gripping reporting and flush with deceit and scandal, The Curse of the Marquis de Sade weaves together the sweeping odyssey of 120 Days of Sodom and the spectacular rise and fall of Lhéritier, once the "king of manuscripts" and now known to many as the Bernie Madoff of France. At its center is an urgent question for all those who cherish the written word: As the age of handwriting comes to an end, what do we owe the original texts left behind?
Betty Cricket
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Swedish Twizz
I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process – I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery – a win-win! 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! 📖📱 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!
Wildcat Appaloosa
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊
Sassy Muffin
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
Free Ham
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings.
Call Back Queen
This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a true gem. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Stallion Patton
ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. 👀📚 Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page – this app is a bedtime dream! 😴🎧 🌟 Embracing reading in the busiest of times – this app is my everyday escape! 📚🏃♀️ Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
CuriousCoder
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. 🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖 No more fussing with synchronization – this app just gets it done! The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Berlin Kamikaze
ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. 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!
Mad Irishman
Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
RealmRanger
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
BlackExcalibur
I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. 🎉📚 Reigniting my passion for books – this app is my newfound reading obsession! 🔥🎧 ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Murder Matter
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to bond over stories. 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!
Sugar Apple
Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing. No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience.
NightWonka
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
Mint Ness
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
LifeRobber
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Berry Succubus
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. 🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
InsightInkwell
This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. 💪 Achieving double wins – workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! 💪🎧
Bad Beret
🎉 Making each day a new chapter – this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! 📖🌄 The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
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