Book description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The author of The Splendid and the Vile brings to life the pivotal five months between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the start of the Civil War in this “riveting reexamination of a nation in tumult” (Los Angeles Times). “A feast of historical insight and narrative verve . . . This is Erik Larson at his best, enlivening even a thrice-told tale into an irresistible thriller.”—The Wall Street JournalA PARADE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAROn November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln became the fluky victor in a tight race for president. The country was bitterly at odds; Southern extremists were moving ever closer to destroying the Union, with one state after another seceding and Lincoln powerless to stop them. Slavery fueled the conflict, but somehow the passions of North and South came to focus on a lonely federal fortress in Charleston Harbor: Fort Sumter.Master storyteller Erik Larson offers a gripping account of the chaotic months between Lincoln’s election and the Confederacy’s shelling of Sumter—a period marked by tragic errors and miscommunications, enflamed egos and craven ambitions, personal tragedies and betrayals. Lincoln himself wrote that the trials of these five months were “so great that, could I have anticipated them, I would not have believed it possible to survive them.”At the heart of this suspense-filled narrative are Major Robert Anderson, Sumter’s commander and a former slave owner sympathetic to the South but loyal to the Union; Edmund Ruffin, a vain and bloodthirsty radical who stirs secessionist ardor at every opportunity; and Mary Boykin Chesnut, wife of a prominent planter, conflicted over both marriage and slavery and seeing parallels between them. In the middle of it all is the overwhelmed Lincoln, battling with his duplicitous secretary of state, William Seward, as he tries desperately to avert a war that he fears is inevitable—one that will eventually kill 750,000 Americans.Drawing on diaries, secret communiques, slave ledgers, and plantation records, Larson gives us a political horror story that captures the forces that led America to the brink—a dark reminder that we often don’t see a cataclysm coming until it’s too late.
Mr. Gadget
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers!
BlackExcalibur
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine.
Iron Jesus
ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Hairpin
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files.
1st Degree
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats – this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. 🎉🔊 The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
Commando
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. 💼 Balancing responsibilities with relaxation – audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. 💻📖 ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Dez North
📚 The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. 📱📖 ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts.
Find It Girl
This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. 🌌 Elevating my reading routine – this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. 📚🔑 Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Feline Devil
ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. 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.
Bourbon Mirage
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. 🏃♀️📚 Running with purpose – audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. 🏃♀️🎧 This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Legacy
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers – it's my go-to source for literary adventures! ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Sleek Assassin
I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
StormCake
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks!
Scarlet Mary
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Moxie
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. 🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼
Emerald Vine
I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. 🌟🎧
Liquid Science
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
CuriousCoder
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. 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.
Shimmy Shammy
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌 My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer. Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
New Cycle
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
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