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.
Airport Hobo
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Ladysmith
No more interruptions – the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy.
SkyGod
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic!
Sun Leo
💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖 ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session.
Vermilion
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use.
Knock Out Star
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Joker's Grin
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. 🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧 Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. 📚📱 Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧 Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Unleashed
ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. I’m 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 I’ve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Steel Solstice
ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections.
Sky Dahlia
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
InsightfulInk
Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
Grinch Cheese
Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
Divine Quasar
🎉 Unveiling the joy of reading once again – this app is my gateway to literary wonders! 📚🔓 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
ShadowDancer
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. 🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖
Contrary Mary
Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
xFRST
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance – it's a must-have for any reader. ⭐️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. 🎶📖
DeathDancer
Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Blink
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. 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!
Miss Rum Punch
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Ba1t
💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
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