Book description
Close your eyes and hear Tolkien's voice-warm, precise, and alive with the weight of his pen. This isn't just a book; it's a secret conversation with Middle-earth's creator, now fully restored as an audiobook. The revised edition unlocks over 150 letters never before heard, excised from the 1981 version for "publishable length." Now, you'll hear him debating publishers, scribbling to his children, or sharing his own plot summary of The Lord of the Rings-a vision he'd never published.
Hearing Tolkien's words in his own voice (the audiobook is read with quiet reverence, capturing his dry wit and deep passion) feels like eavesdropping on genius. You'll hear him laugh over his son's schoolboy antics, lament the war's toll on his writing, and passionately defend his Catholic faith as the heartbeat of his world. His letters to fans? Not just polite replies-they're invitations to understand how he built Middle-earth, letter by letter.
What's thrilling isn't just the new lore-it's the man. Here, he's not the distant mythmaker but a father, a scholar, a friend who called his son "my dearest son" before drafting the next chapter of The Silmarillion. You'll hear him fret over The Hobbit's reception, sketch out Tales of the Three Ages (a project that never saw print), and reveal how his invented languages shaped entire histories.
This audiobook isn't a dry archive; it's intimate. You'll feel the ink-stained paper, the urgency of a letter dashed off between teaching duties, the quiet joy of a writer finally being understood. For fans, it's like finding a hidden map to Tolkien's mind. For newcomers, it's the perfect gateway: no need to know every Eä or Elven term-just witness a master storyteller, alive and thinking. The restored letters aren't additions; they're the missing pieces of the puzzle. And hearing them? It's like Tolkien himself is leaning across the table, saying, "Come, let me tell you how it all began."
Pixy Mox
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Alley Frog
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me.
Runway Darling
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer – I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
Little Drunk Girl
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Midnight Rider
📱 Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories – this app is pure magic! 📚✨ User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Abyss Tamer
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment.
Venious
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. 💪 Achieving double wins – workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! 💪🎧
CirrusFlash
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Abyss Tamer
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. 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.
Noise Toy
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
Crazy Rox
I've become addicted to this app – in the best possible way! 📱 My secret to staying well-read – this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! 📚📱 I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Jack Cassidy
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
DZE
Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
WanderWord
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. 💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Indestructible Potato
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Are Ess Tee
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound – it adds a personal touch. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic!
Goatee Shield
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Venom Charms
Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨ Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. 📚👏
Twinkle
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Juno Cream
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
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