Book description
A Times Literary Supplement Book of the Year Long-listed for the Plutarch AwardA bold new biography of the legendary painter John Singer Sargent, stressing the unruly emotions and furtive desires that drove his innovative work and defined the transatlantic, fin de siècle culture he inhabited. A great American artist, John Singer Sargent is also an abiding enigma. While dressing like a businessman and crafting a highly respectable persona, he scandalized viewers on both sides of the Atlantic with the frankness and sensuality of his work. He charmed the nouveaux riches as well as the old money, but he reserved his greatest sympathies for Bedouins, Spanish dancers, and the gondoliers of Venice. At the height of his renown in Britain and America, he quit his lucrative portrait-painting career to concentrate on allegorical murals with religious themes--and on nude drawings of male models that he kept to himself. In The Grand Affair, the historian Paul Fisher offers a vivid life of the buttoned-up artist and his unbuttoned work. Sargent's nervy, edgy portraits exposed illicit or dark feelings in himself and his sitters--feelings that high society on both sides of the Atlantic found fascinating and off-putting. Fisher traces Singer's life from his wandering trans-European childhood to the salons of Paris, and the scandals and enthusiasms he caused, and on to London. There he mixed with eccentrics and aristocrats, and the likes of Henry James and Oscar Wilde, while at the same time forming a close relationship with a lightweight boxer who became his model, valet, and traveling partner. In later years, Sargent met up with his friend and patron Isabella Stewart Gardner around the world and devoted himself to a new model, the African American elevator operator and part-time contortionist Thomas McKeller, who would become the subject of some of Sargent's most daring and powerful work. Illuminating Sargent's restless itinerary, Fisher explores the enigmas of fin de siècle sexuality and art, fashioning a biography that grants the man and his paintings new and intense life.
Sweetness
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment.
Black Firefly
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas.
Alias Stick
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Freeze Queen
I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Easy Street
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers.
Wooden German
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Tart Voodoo
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable.
LifeRobber
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks.
Highway
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. ποΈ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level β audiobooks make it an adventure! ππ ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch.
Spoiler Betty
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
Bleach
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. 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. ππ Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
InsightInkwell
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book β brilliant! Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Spellbinder
β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is a game-changer. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Nutmeg
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer.
QuestWeaver
π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Poppy Coffee
Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π ListenBook's commitment to a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Sugar Domino
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection.
Con Mammoth
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Morbid Sugar
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app.
Ginger Chaos
This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel.
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