Book description
The first history of the notebook, a simple invention that changed the way the world thinks.We see notebooks everywhere we go. But where did these indispensable implements come from? How did they revolutionize our lives? And how can using a notebook help change the way you think? In this wide-ranging history, Roland Allen reveals how the notebook became our most dependable and versatile tool for creative thinking. He tells the notebook stories of Leonardo and Frida Kahlo, Isaac Newton and Marie Curie, and writers from Chaucer to Henry James; shows how Darwin developed his theory of evolution in tiny pocket books and Agatha Christie plotted a hundred murders in scrappy exercise books; and introduces a host of cooks, kings, sailors, fishermen, musicians, engineers, politicians, adventurers, and mathematicians, all of whom used their notebooks as a space to think--and in doing so, shaped the modern world.In an age of AI and digital overload, the humble notebook is more relevant than ever. Allen shows how bullet points can combat ADHD, journals can ease PTSD, and patient diaries soften the trauma of reawakening from coma. The everyday act of moving a pen across paper, he finds, can have profound consequences, changing the way we think and feel: making us more creative, more productive--and maybe even happier.
About the Author
Roland Allen lives in Brighton. He studied at Manchester University and works in book (and notebook) publishing. He has written books on bicycles and bread, has kept a diary for decades, and enjoys stationery a little too much.
Miss Twilight
This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
ZenaCake
With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Rocky Highway
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Blinker
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. 📱🎧 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
Friday Fox
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits – truly impressive. 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳
Dredd
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver!
Cupid Dust
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape.
Old Felix
I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. 📚🔊 Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
DARK HQ
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Married Man
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars! 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!
Sexy
With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
High Deck
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Sugar Hiccup
This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. 🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Sidewalk Enforcer
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers – it's my go-to source for literary adventures! With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side. 🏃♂️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! 🏃♂️📖 ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine.
Liquid Death
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge.
Mauve Cactus
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Legacy
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. Organization made simple – this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. 📖📱 ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length – I'm in! ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Vortex
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design – it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Treasure Devil
🚗📖 Road trips have never been this entertaining – this app keeps me engaged on the highway! 🚙🎉 Audiobooks anytime, anywhere – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Trixie Doodle
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
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