Book description
First published in 1831, Honore de Balzac's The Hidden Masterpiece, or Le Chef-d'oeuvre inconnu, is a short story that deals with the theme of artistic creativity and appreciation. It has influenced a variety of literary men and artists including the American novelist Henry James and the renowned painter Pablo Picasso. The latter's magnum opus, Guernica, is believed to be inspired from Balzac's tale. Set in the beginning of the seventeenth century, the story tells of Nicholas Poussin, an art apprentice who decides to visit a famous Parisian painter named Porbus to learn from him. When he reaches his workshop, he finds him with his own master, an aged man named Frenhofer. The tale involves the artists in discussions on the craft of painting reality and bringing life to art. Like the mythological characters of Frankenstein and Pygmalion, Frenhofer defies God by playing his role when he dares create life and materialize Mary of Egypt on one of his canvases. However, the story ends tragically when Frenhofer disappoints his two admirers with the absurdity of his last painting. The feeling of failure and despair push Frenhofer to commit suicide.
Howitzer Rise
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
Freaky Ratbuster
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. 💪 Crushing workouts while devouring books – this app makes fitness fun and educational! 🏋️♀️🎉 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Feral Mayhem
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Wonder Lady
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. 🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧 The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Ice
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. 📱🔊 ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Canary Apple Red
⭐️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. 🎶📖 Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Little Cobra
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze – this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. 📱📖
Viceswerve
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options.
MrOnsTr
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. I can't stop raving about this app – it's like having a personal library in my pocket.
Pink Hopper
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
Instant Star
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚 Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. Has every feature I need. My top choice for audiobooks!
Houston Rocket
The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Highway
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. 📚 Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions – audiobooks make it a breeze! 👗🎧 📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 🎧 Making housework more enjoyable – audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. 🧹📚
Red Delicious
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained.
ThreadTraveler
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Sir Squire
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app! I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
SneakerKid
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. 📚✨ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
Star Jammer
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read.
Taz Ringer
🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Golden Cougar
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length – I'm in! This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
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