Book description
Every day, thousands of new secrets are created by the United States government. What is all this secrecy really for? And whom does it benefit? "Connelly has defined an existential crisis: the suppression of American history. . . . [He] makes the case that the culture of secrecy diminishes democracy. And it has now become a culture of destruction as well." --The New York Times Book Review Before World War II, transparent government was a proud tradition in the United States. In all but the most serious of circumstances, classification, covert operations, and spying were considered deeply un-American. But after the war, the power to decide what could be kept secret proved too tempting to give up. Since then, we have radically departed from that open tradition, allowing intelligence agencies, black sites, and classified laboratories to grow unchecked. Officials insist that only secrecy can keep us safe, but its true costs have gone unacknowledged for too long. Using the latest techniques in data science, historian Matthew Connelly analyzes a vast trove of state secrets to unearth not only what the government really does not want us to know but also why they don't want us to know it. Culling this research and carefully examining a series of pivotal moments in recent history, from Pearl Harbor to drone warfare, Connelly sheds light on the drivers of state secrecy--especially incompetence and criminality--and how rampant overclassification makes it impossible to protect truly vital information. What results is an astonishing study of power: of the greed it enables, of the negligence it protects, and of what we lose as citizens when our leaders cannot be held to account. A crucial examination of the self-defeating nature of secrecy and the dire state of our nation's archives, The Declassification Engine is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the past so that we may secure our future.
Runway Darling
My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Golden Cougar
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
Mosquit-No
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. 🎶📚 The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! 🎵🎧 This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
Silver Agent
ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Dr. Cocktail
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance!
Thunder Nut
With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app!
RDTN
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. 🏝️🎧 Packing for vacation just got better – this app is my getaway entertainment! 🌴📖 ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Spoiler Betty
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Bootleg Taximan
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. 📱🔊
Undergrad
🎉 My audiobook haven – this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! 📚🔑 🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫
DeathDancer
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
RightN0w2
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. 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!
Swing Setter
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. 🎶 Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls – this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. 🎵📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
Cardinal Rebel
I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. 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! Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. I’ll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Black Firefly
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Alberta
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook is a game-changer – it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. 🎧 Carrying a world of literature in my headphones – this app's convenience is truly remarkable. 📚💫
CirrusFlash
No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
9Lives
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Uncle Psycho
User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
SmartieQuest
The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
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