Book description
The #1 New York Times bestselling 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 — a simmering crisis that finally tore a deeply divided nation in two. On 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. Review“Larson, one of today’s pre-eminent nonfiction storytellers, trawls a variety of archives to explore the historically momentous months between Abraham Lincoln’s election and the Battle of Fort Sumter.”—The New York Times “Perhaps no other historian has ever rendered the struggle for Sumter in such authoritative detail as Larson does here. . . . Few historians, too, have done a better job of untangling the web of intrigues and counter-intrigues that helped provoke the eventual attack and surrender.”—The Washington Post “A feast of historical insight and narrative verve . . . Larson’s great gift is his uncanny ability to spin a chronological story whose ending we already know—secession, rebellion, victory, emancipation and assassination—yet keep the narrative as crisp and suspenseful as an Anthony Horowitz suspense novel. . . . This is Erik Larson at his best, enlivening even a thrice-told tale into an irresistible thriller.”—The Wall Street JournalAbout the AuthorErik Larson is the author of six previous national bestsellers — The Splendid and the Vile, Dead Wake, In the Garden of Beasts, Thunderstruck, The Devil in the White City, and Isaac's Storm — which have collectively sold more than ten million copies. His books have been published in nearly twenty countries.
Cupid Dust
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse – chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. Simplifying audiobook adventures – this app's ease of use is a delight.
WanderWord
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. 📱📖 Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
The Beekeeper
This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. 💼 Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! 💻📖 Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Blizzard Vixen
Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Celtic Charger
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. 📱 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! 📚🔥 Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. 📚🔊 An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
PixelPilgrim
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Infinite Hole
With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer! With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Pocket Muzzie
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days.
Old Regret
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. 🌟📚 ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling.
Steel
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
Are Ess Tee
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze.
Nessie Pork
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem!
Storm Master
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. 🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! 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!
Roller Girl
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. 💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️ 🌌 Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner – this app adds flavor to every meal! 🍲📖 AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
Snow Hound
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Crash Override
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is a triumph. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
InfinityInsight
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
Tomcat
⭐️ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures – this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! 👚🎧 Effortlessly exploring new worlds – this app's design is user-centric and efficient. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Mum Mary
ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars! I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! 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!
Sherm
As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for study materials. I never lose my place again.
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