Book description
If you've ever wondered how Tolkien's Middle-earth truly came to life-beyond the films and the books-this audiobook is pure magic. Christopher Snyder's The Making of Middle-earth isn't just another Tolkien analysis; it's the most immersive, deeply researched journey into the soul of Middle-earth ever created. And hearing it narrated? It's like sitting with a brilliant, passionate friend who's spent decades unraveling Tolkien's secrets, sharing them with warmth and clarity.
Snyder doesn't just list facts-he weaves together the threads: how Tolkien's love of medieval languages and Arthurian myths, his trauma from the trenches of WWI, and even the quiet debates in Oxford's halls all stitched together to form Rivendell and Mordor. You'll hear how a single line of Old English poetry or a battle map from 1916 shaped the world we've all come to love. And the best part? This reissued audiobook isn't stuck in the past. Snyder seamlessly ties in how Tolkien's legacy fuels today's fantasy boom-from The Rings of Power to modern games, showing why his work isn't just timeless, but alive.
The narration is perfect-calm, engaging, never rushed. You'll feel the weight of history when Snyder describes Tolkien drafting The Lord of the Rings in a bombed-out London, or hear the excitement as he connects a 1960s counterculture movement to Frodo's journey. It's scholarship made human, not dusty. The updated commentary on recent adaptations (yes, even The Wheel of Time's influence!) makes you realize Tolkien's world is still evolving, and this audiobook is your essential guide to that evolution.
You don't need to be a Tolkien scholar to feel this. If you've ever gazed at the Shire's rolling hills and wondered, How did he do that?-this is your answer. It's not just about the books; it's about why we still need Middle-earth. And hearing it, with Snyder's voice making every detail feel urgent and personal, turns a deep dive into a genuine, heartfelt love letter to a legend. You'll listen, and suddenly, every hobbit hole, every elven song, feels like it's been waiting for you all along. Don't just read about Middle-earth-hear it breathe.
Dahlia Bumble
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Darth 44
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use.
Austin Shamrock
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§ ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls.
Kimono Goddess
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like having a personal reading guide. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
Club Nola
ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Coffee
Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Genghis Glyph
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery.
Moonflower
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere.
3D Waffle
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks!
Tall Honey
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
RealmRanger
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off!
Bruh
π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
ChatterChampion
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing.
Firedog
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in β all thanks to this app. ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine.
X-Dew
Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. 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.
Moon Radar
This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket.
Twinkle
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Instant Star
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it.
Red Pepper
I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. π My audiobook haven β this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! ππ ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
RDTN
WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! 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.
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