Book description
A magisterial history that recasts the Enlightenment as a period not solely consumed with rationale and reason, but rather as a pursuit of practical means to achieve greater human happiness. One of the formative periods of European and world history, the Enlightenment is the fountainhead of modern secular Western values: religious tolerance, freedom of thought, speech and the press, of rationality and evidence-based argument. Yet why, over three hundred years after it began, is the Enlightenment so profoundly misunderstood as controversial, the expression of soulless calculation? The answer may be that, to an extraordinary extent, we have accepted the account of the Enlightenment given by its conservative enemies: that enlightenment necessarily implied hostility to religion or support for an unfettered free market, or that this was "the best of all possible worlds". Ritchie Robertson goes back into the "long eighteenth century," from approximately 1680 to 1790, to reveal what this much-debated period was really about.Robertson returns to the era's original texts to show that above all, the Enlightenment was really about increasing human happiness - in this world rather than the next - by promoting scientific inquiry and reasoned argument. In so doing Robertson chronicles the campaigns mounted by some Enlightened figures against evils like capital punishment, judicial torture, serfdom and witchcraft trials, featuring the experiences of major figures like Voltaire and Diderot alongside ordinary people who lived through this extraordinary moment.In answering the question 'What is Enlightenment?' in 1784, Kant famously urged men and women above all to "have the courage to use your own intellect". Robertson shows how the thinkers of the Enlightenment did just that, seeking a well-rounded understanding of humanity in which reason was balanced with emotion and sensibility. Drawing on philosophy, theology, historiography and literature across the major western European languages, The Enlightenment is a master-class in big picture history about the foundational epoch of modern times.
Prof. Screw
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Fire Fish
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Minty Devil
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata.
SneakerKid
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Psycho Thinker
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Sugar Man
Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
ManManMan
ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion.
Burn
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. 🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀 Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories.
Sugar Hiccup
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Nutmeg
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized.
Goldman
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of – now they're my favorites! 💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling.
Honey
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Riff Raff
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Steel Cut Toe
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Dahlia
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Wonder Lady
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Armed Hawk
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
Badger the Burglar
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Wiccan Trouble
Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Reed Lady
This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
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