Book description
From a New York Times bestselling author comes the gripping, untold history of science's darkest secrets, "a fascinating book [that] deserves a wide audience" (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Science is a force for good in the world--at least usually. But sometimes, when obsession gets the better of scientists, they twist a noble pursuit into something sinister. Under this spell, knowledge isn't everything, it's the only thing--no matter the cost. Bestselling author Sam Kean tells the true story of what happens when unfettered ambition pushes otherwise rational men and women to cross the line in the name of science, trampling ethical boundaries and often committing crimes in the process. The Icepick Surgeon masterfully guides the reader across two thousand years of history, beginning with Cleopatra's dark deeds in ancient Egypt. The book reveals the origins of much of modern science in the transatlantic slave trade of the 1700s, as well as Thomas Edison's mercenary support of the electric chair and the warped logic of the spies who infiltrated the Manhattan Project. But the sins of science aren't all safely buried in the past. Many of them, Kean reminds us, still affect us today. We can draw direct lines from the medical abuses of Tuskegee and Nazi Germany to current vaccine hesitancy, and connect icepick lobotomies from the 1950s to the contemporary failings of mental-health care. Kean even takes us into the future, when advanced computers and genetic engineering could unleash whole new ways to do one another wrong. Unflinching, and exhilarating to the last page, The Icepick Surgeon fuses the drama of scientific discovery with the illicit thrill of a true-crime tale. With his trademark wit and precision, Kean shows that, while science has done more good than harm in the world, rogue scientists do exist, and when we sacrifice morals for progress, we often end up with neither.
Bootleg Taximan
I've become addicted to this app β in the best possible way! ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Mechani-Man
Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience.
Darth 44
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
PP Dubs
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
EchoExplorer
This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
Genghis Glyph
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
The Flying Mouse
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Neophyte Believer
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ 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!
NoiseFire
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in β all thanks to this app. πΆ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! πΆπ ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Wrangler Jim
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
Toe
Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBookβs interface is beautiful and functional. Itβs my favorite app for audiobooks.
Backstreet
ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Chuckles
This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
InfinityInsight
ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Landfill Max
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Toy Dogwatch
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
WanderWord
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Bones
With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. 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.
Scrapper
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§
Acid Queen
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ« ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for 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