Book description
The New Yorker staff writer Louis Menand's The Metaphysical Club is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for History.A national bestseller and "hugely ambitious, unmistakably brilliant" (Janet Maslin, New York Times) book about the creation of modern American thought.The Metaphysical Club was an informal group that met in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1872, to talk about ideas. Its members included Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., future associate justice of the United States Supreme Court; William James, the father of modern American psychology; and Charles Sanders Peirce, logician, scientist, and the founder of semiotics. The Club was probably in existence for about nine months. No records were kept. The one thing we know that came out of it was an idea-an idea about ideas. This book is the story of that idea.Holmes, James, and Peirce all believed that ideas are not things "out there" waiting to be discovered but are tools people invent-like knives and forks and microchips-to make their way in the world. They thought that ideas are produced not by individuals, but by groups of individuals-that ideas are social. They do not develop according to some inner logic of their own but are entirely dependent, like germs, on their human carriers and environment. And they thought that the survival of any idea depends not on its immutability but on its adaptability.The Metaphysical Club is written in the spirit of this idea about ideas. It is not a history of philosophy but an absorbing narrative about personalities and social history, a story about America. It begins with the Civil War and ends in 1919 with Justice Holmes's dissenting opinion in the case of U.S. v. Abrams-the basis for the constitutional law of free speech. The first four sections of the book focus on Holmes, James, Peirce, and their intellectual heir, John Dewey. The last section discusses some of the fundamental twentieth-century ideas they are associated with. This is a book about a way of thinking that changed American life."
Beetle King
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Heartbreaker
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Cool Whip
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant companion for literary adventures.
Pop Bee
I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
TrinitySoul
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! 🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀 The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night. The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly.
Vermilion
💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 🌟 Elevating everyday moments – this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. 📚✨ Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Doughboy, Esq
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Y0dler
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! 🌟 Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app – it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! 📚🔥
Devil Blade
I've been recommending this app to all my friends – it's a true game-changer. I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Betty Cricket
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
Star Scratch
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off!
Taz Ringer
Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Highway
This app is a lifesaver! I can now enjoy my favorite books on the go. 🎉 This app has turned my errands into exciting quests – I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! 🛒📖 Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Flakes
This app is not just about convenience – it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
Glyph
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Zero Corn
Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go – kudos to this app's functionality. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Mr. Thanksgiving
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. 📱🎧 Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Scuffs
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Jungle King
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use! 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.
NexusNomad
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's design is a reader's dream. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
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