Book description
A history and celebration of the many far-flung volunteers who helped define the English language, word by word. "Enthralling and exuberant, Sarah Ogilvie tells the surprising story of the making of the OED. Philologists, fantasists, crackpots, criminals, career spinsters, suffragists, and Australians: here is a wonder book for word lovers." --Jeanette Winterson, author of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit The Oxford English Dictionary is one of mankind's greatest achievements, and yet, curiously, its creators are almost never considered. Who were the people behind this unprecedented book? As Sarah Ogilvie reveals, they include three murderers, a collector of pornography, the daughter of Karl Marx, a president of Yale, a radical suffragette, a vicar who was later found dead in the cupboard of his chapel, an inventor of the first American subway, a female anti-slavery activist in Philadelphia . . . and thousands of others. Of deep transgenerational and broad appeal, a thrilling literary detective story that, for the first time, unravels the mystery of the endlessly fascinating contributors the world over who, for over seventy years, helped to codify the way we read and write and speak. It was the greatest crowdsourcing endeavor in human history, the Wikipedia of its time. The Dictionary People is a celebration of words, language, and people, whose eccentricities and obsessions, triumphs, and failures enriched the English language.
ByteBard
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization.
RetroMirage
π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening.
Jetta Talent
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π
Pinup Diva
Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app! I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Acid Gosling
ποΈ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side β beach days just got better! ποΈπ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Devil Bread
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightβnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Moon Cricket
I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§ I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Twinkle Cutlass
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Avenge Paws
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
Seattle Jay
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Mule Skinner
π± Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go β this app is like a portable library in my pocket. ππ Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer.
ThoughtTrailblazer
No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly.
Hidden Tree
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before.
NexusNinja
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Blister
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. CarPlay compatibility is a fantastic addition. It enhances my driving experience with seamless audiobook integration. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
Devine Melon
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives.
Hen Skittle
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Trip
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
Red Delicious
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Pusher
I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a winner. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
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