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.
CuriousCraft
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Venom Charms
Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Gothic Gucci
ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Dancing Madman
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Tokyo Dream
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Crazy Rox
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Gothic Slacker
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Lightweight
This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences β time flies by! ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Keystone
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences.
Jigsaw
My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. Iβve been using ListenBook for months, and itβs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnβt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Tall Honey
π Embracing reading in the digital age β this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. π±π Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh.
High Kingdom Warrior
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! ππ§ ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
FrankenGrin
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Good-lookinβ
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials.
Starshine
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Finally, an app that handles all my audiobook formats effortlessly. ListenBook is a must-have!
Zero Corn
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience.
D-Hog-Day
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. πͺ Achieving double wins β workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! πͺπ§ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Titanium Ladybug
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's a convenient habit. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking.
Danqqqqq
ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient.
Snow Cream
Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks! I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
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