Book description
A Search for the Magical Powers of Language in Renaissance Italy'In his ingenious new book The Grammar of Angels, Edward Wilson-Lee paints a glorious portrait of the great 15th-century prince of learning' Daily Telegraph'A deeply fascinating, sui generis book by a brilliant scholar-writer, which uses the life story of a Renaissance prodigy to summon an angel-host of ideas, people and stories, all circling the question of language's ability to transcend the mortal realm' Robert MacfarlaneDoes there exist a form of speech so powerful as to allow the speaker to control the listener, taking over their thoughts and even their will?The Grammar of Angels tells the story of Renaissance prodigy and polymath Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, the uncontested marvel of an age of true wonders. Pico dedicated his life to a quest to find the sublime; to reconcile all existing thought into a philosophy that would settle the most important questions about human existence. This philosophy would also provide tools by which man could transcend his mortal limitations and join the ranks of the angels. At the heart of Pico's ideas were questions that he traced through the depth and breadth of human thought, from the ancient Greeks and Egyptians to the medieval Arabs and Jews. He made use of everything at his disposal from Europe's broadening horizons and asked primal questions of himself and the world. Why is it that we can be astonished by beauty? That the hairs on the backs of our necks can be made to stand by intoxicating rhythms and harmonies? That we can be provoked to ecstatic experiences by the simple means of an incantation? In Catholic Italy, the implications of this line of thought were dangerous and provoked violent reactions, suggesting as they did that the notion of the individual might be just as much of an illusion as a flat earth or a geocentric universe. That there may well be notions of the divine other than the Christian God.During a tempestuous life at the exquisite heart of the Italian Renaissance, Pico's life is a testament to intellectual daring, to a human dignity founded in the willingness to think the unthinkable and to peer over the edge of the abyss in search of answers.
Tootsie Killer
Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go – kudos to this app's functionality. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. I love the statistics feature. It’s fun to see how much I’ve listened.
Wheels
Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. 🌟📚 The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight.
Proper
Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source.
Jersey
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Atomic Blastoid
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Sherm
This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive.
Zesty Dragon
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
StarStrider
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
Rosie Bird
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is truly impressive.
Dakota Bliss
⏰ Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks – energizing! 🌅🎧 Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
Pixy Mox
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
xFRST
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer.
Goatee Shield
Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
Prof. Smirk
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless.
Instant Star
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
Metal Star
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
Spooky Yellowjacket
💼 Making every minute count – this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. 📱📖 No more fussing with synchronization – this app just gets it done! ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Sky Trinity
Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app.
Third Moon
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience.
Firedog
The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
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