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.
FRMhndshk
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. π± Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap β this app is my digital library card! ππ± I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
WeldMaster
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection! This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Snapple Whistler
The app's stability is impressive β it runs smoothly without any glitches. Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better.
Duchess
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Snapple Whistler
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
Gro
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ
Vortex
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Raggedy Ann
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Mosquit-No
Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Jersey
This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! 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!
Sugar Man
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app! Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
High-Fructose
I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts.
Deano
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy.
LoreLoomer
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Shade Nightman
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook!
Mule Skinner
π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle β this app's design is a win. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app.
Parallax Sugar
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
Wanted Candy
ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Breadmaker
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it! Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Moon Peaches
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library.
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