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.
Devine Melon
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
EchoExplorer
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
LyRz
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape.
Blistered Outlaw
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. π Embracing reading in the busiest of times β this app is my everyday escape! ππββοΈ πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Proper
πͺ Achieving double wins β workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! πͺπ§ πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π 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 The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Tunez
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
VisionVortex
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. 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!
Dahlia Bumble
Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. Itβs perfect for my listening style.
Celtic Charger
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is remarkable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! 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.
Lightening Trip
π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ Iβm blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and Iβve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Mr. Peppermint
ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. I can't imagine my life without this app β it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
Scare Stone
The narrators on this app are truly talented β they bring characters to life. The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use.
Lady Katniss
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. 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!
Cuff Queen
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Pexxious
No more worries about compatibility β ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. π±π Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient.
QuantumQuipper
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories.
CyberScribe
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature!
Trash Pocky
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Mustard Centaur
ListenBook's support for playlists in the CUE format makes organizing and enjoying audiobook series a delightful experience. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Tin Fox
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story.
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