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.
Polar Bee
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. π Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks β this app turns errands into epic quests! ππ ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination.
Speedwell
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off β no more searching for my spot! I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed.
Cool Whip
Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Gothic Slacker
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Bambi Wings
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. 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.
Voodoo Queen
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π
Black Firefly
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great! The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Dakota Bliss
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres β there's something for everyone. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ 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 ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge.
FireBerry
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Journeyman
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph.
Friday Ferrari
The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app! The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery.
Grinch Cheese
Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis.
Intimidation Station
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
RealmRanger
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. π§π± ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Darth 44
πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Knight Light
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight.
Kimono Goddess
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
Hidden Tree
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Gas Man
π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
QuestWeaver
Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
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