Book description
A major reimagining of how evolutionary forces work, revealing how mating preferences--what Darwin termed "the taste for the beautiful"--create the extraordinary range of ornament in the animal world. "A delicious read, both seductive and mutinous.... Minutely detailed, exquisitely observant, deeply informed, and often tenderly sensual."--New York Times Book Review In the great halls of science, dogma holds that Darwin's theory of natural selection explains every branch on the tree of life: which species thrive, which wither away to extinction, and what features each evolves. But can adaptation by natural selection really account for everything we see in nature? Yale University ornithologist Richard Prum--reviving Darwin's own views--thinks not. Deep in tropical jungles around the world are birds with a dizzying array of appearances and mating displays: Club-winged Manakins who sing with their wings, Great Argus Pheasants who dazzle prospective mates with a four-foot-wide cone of feathers covered in golden 3D spheres, Red-capped Manakins who moonwalk. In thirty years of fieldwork, Prum has seen numerous display traits that seem disconnected from, if not outright contrary to, selection for individual survival. To explain this, he dusts off Darwin's long-neglected theory of sexual selection in which the act of choosing a mate for purely aesthetic reasons--for the mere pleasure of it--is an independent engine of evolutionary change. Mate choice can drive ornamental traits from the constraints of adaptive evolution, allowing them to grow ever more elaborate. It also sets the stakes for sexual conflict, in which the sexual autonomy of the female evolves in response to male sexual control. Most crucially, this framework provides important insights into the evolution of human sexuality, particularly the ways in which female preferences have changed male bodies, and even maleness itself, through evolutionary time. The Evolution of Beauty presents a unique scientific vision for how nature's splendor contributes to a more complete understanding of evolution and of ourselves.
SereneScribe
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. I appreciate the dark mode option. Itβs easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Hobo Samurai
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Red Delicious
The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Sneaky Lady
π 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. π±π ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Spunky Comet
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's pure bliss. π This app is a game-changer β its intuitive design and seamless functionality make listening to audiobooks a joy. ππ§ Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. 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!
Sly Silvermoon
ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! πββοΈπ πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. 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!
K-Tin Man
This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Swedish Twizz
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver.
K-9
Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. π±π Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Pixie
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π
Thrasher
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. π Embracing reading in the digital age β this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. π±π With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything!
Feline Devil
This app has completely transformed my commute β I look forward to it now! Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment.
Devil Bread
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Ella of Light
This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge.
Gingersnap Woman
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ± Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Tin Mutt
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer β I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§ User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Admiral Tot
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. βοΈ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! π§Ήπ° ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Cosmic Presence
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Old Felix
Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ± Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. Iβm blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and Iβve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Venious
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am.
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