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, VelΓ‘zquez, 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.
Chasm Face
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. 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!
Achilles Mountain
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Master Jetson
The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Low Menace
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier β this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. π§ποΈ The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. 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!
Snow Pharaoh
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion.
Ginger Chaos
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook.
MysticMingle
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off!
Old Orange Eyes
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
WanderWord
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch.
Fresh Peper
I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Drift
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives.
ByteBard
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
SprkR
Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. ππ§ Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it! The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Chuckles
This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. Simplifying my audiobook experience β this app's design is remarkable. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Swerve
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Twiddle Twix
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Take Away
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Twister Hero
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ππ§ The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Call Back Queen
I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with itβthe narration was fine, and the story was okayβbut nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute. 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!
Tse Tse Guy
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio β from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
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