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.
DreadSherX
The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life β it's a unique experience. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked!
Opulent Gamer
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort.
180
πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
Poptart AK47
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. πΆπ Replacing tunes with stories β my house is alive with the sound of narration! π§π
ThreadTrail
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
Sly Bible
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere β it's a reader's dream come true. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy.
Flame OUT
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
Knock Out Star
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. π±π
RedFeet
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive.
Lskeee
Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs.
Metal Star
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§ ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side.
RiddleRanger
πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§ ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks!
Steel Ginger
πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight.
QuantumQuill
I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise.
High Kingdom Warrior
ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks, lectures, and speeches an absolute pleasure. Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight.
Bowie
π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience.
London Fox
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book β brilliant! I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Skirble
ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
Swerve
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is β it's like being inside the story. I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life.
Silent
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery β a win-win!
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