Book description
"If this book of shocking intelligence and moral hope is read widely and above all well, word for word, it will help the world." --Peter SchjeldahlAn expanded edition of Hickey's controversial and exquisitely written apologia for beauty--championed by artists, reviled by art critics, and as powerful as ever 30 years onThe 30th anniversary cloth edition brings back into print Dragon's four essays on beauty and commingles them with newly discovered essays by the MacArthur Foundation "genius." Art by Caravaggio, Bellini, Velázquez, Raphael, Warhol and Mapplethorpe is complemented by Hickey's tributes to Dolly Parton and Richard Pryor, outing of John Rechy's gay novel Numbers, essays on the art of writing and witty analysis of paintings by Ed Ruscha. An afterword by Hickey's friend and Dragon's editor queers the brash, heterosexual gambler as it situates the creation of Dragon squarely within the AIDS plague. At the time, the book made beauty visible under the looming presence of death and bodily decay. Today, Hickey's prescient diagnosis of the "therapeutic institution" resonates even louder and artists respond by harnessing beauty as a source of meaning and of joy.Dave Hickey (1938-2021) was one of the preeminent arts and cultural writers of the turn of the 21st century. A MacArthur "Genius" Fellow known as the "beauty guy" in the popular press, Hickey opened A Clean, Well-Lighted Place gallery in Austin, Texas, in the 1960s, before becoming executive editor at Art in America magazine. In the 1970s, he was a songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee, where he coined and helped create the "Outlaw country" music movement. By the 1990s, Hickey had made a home in Las Vegas, from where he regularly traveled to speak with audiences worldwide.
Scuffs
Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. I can’t believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
QuestQuill
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure!
General Finish
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Twinkle
No more straining my eyes to read – now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. It’s so easy to navigate.
Biscuit Meg
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧 The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Sugar Hiccup
🌌 Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner – this app adds flavor to every meal! 🍲📖 Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖
Armed Hawk
📱 Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap – this app is my digital library card! 📚📱 ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
TulipCake
I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧
MicroStar
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Glyph
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Trash Sling
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
Winded On Friday
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
Boo
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Emerald Goddess
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy – it's eye-opening.
Divine Bramble
With this app, I've turned mundane chores into exciting opportunities for intellectual growth. ⏰ Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks – energizing! 🌅🎧 ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Uluru Walker
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app – it's like being in the story. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it! Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Renegade Slugger
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
TrixiePhany
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio – from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level – it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast.
Tin Fox
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. 🚗📖 Road trips have never been this entertaining – this app keeps me engaged on the highway! 🚙🎉 ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Jester
📚 Turning my phone into a portal of stories – this app's ease of use is remarkable! 📱💫 ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
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