Book description
Sir Walter Scott, 1st Baronet, FRSE, was a Scottish playwright, novelist and poet who became the first English-language author to be internationally celebrated within their own lifetime. Although he wrote extensively, he was by profession an advocate and judge, and continued to practice alongside his writing career. Scott was fascinated by the oral tradition of the Scottish borders, with its poetry, folklore and legend, and he collected stories throughout his youth and as a young man, almost obsessively. Scott’s friend, James Ballantyne, had founded a printing press in 1796 , and had published much of Scott’s early work, including the Lay of the Last Minstrel which firmly established Scott’ position in the Scottish literary tradition, and that of English literature as a whole. Scott was by now printing regularly with the Ballantynes and convinced them to relocate their press to Edinburgh and became a partner in their business. In 1813 Scott was offered the post of Poet Laureate, but turned the offer down and the position was taken by Robert Southey. Until now he had predominately written poetry however he became interested in the novel form despite its comparative unpopularity for a supposed aesthetic inferiority. Owing to this he published his first novel, Waverley, anonymously, in 1814. Its success encouraged several more novels, all of which were published under “Author of Waverley” as a means of piggybacking the success of Waverley and because Scott feared his traditional father would disapprove of such a trivial pursuit as novel writing. Scott came to be known as the “Wizard of the North” for his writing, and among literary circles it was an open secret that he was the author of these novels. In 1815 the Prince Regent, George, dined with him as he wished to meet the “Author of Waverley”. By 1825 a banking crisis was crippling the nation and the Ballantyne printing company went under with Scott left with debts of £130,000 (approx. £10mil in 2014). His pride kept him from accepting financial aid (even from his admirer, King George) or declaring himself bankrupt. He resolved to continue writing until he could pay his debts. Compounding these unfortunate circumstances was the death of his wife in 1826. However, he maintained his enormous literary output until 1831 by which point his health had begun to fail and he died on September 21st 1832. At his death he was still in debt, the continuing sales of his work ensured that all debt was discharged shortly after he died.
Wrangler Jim
This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Flotsams54
📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's functionality is a reader's delight.
Troubled Pie
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
BuzzMouse
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. Simplifying audiobook adventures – this app's ease of use is a delight. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
Tan Stallion
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days.
Delirious Supernova
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition – I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. 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. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Clang Glyph
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. With this app, reading is no longer a task – it's a delightful habit. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
Sly Bible
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy.
Shadow Chaser
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
PixelPilgrim
I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. 🏡 Making house chores more enjoyable – audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. 🏠📚
Gingersnap Woman
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve.
Fire Fish
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. 📚👌 ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven.
Pepper
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. 📱📖 Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Wrangler Jim
💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. 📱🔊 ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Bleachers
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Spicy Thunder
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. 🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams!
Flash
🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. 📖📱 Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience.
101
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life.
LocKz
Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier – this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. 📱🎧 Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
SunVolt
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! 📱📖 The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
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