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.
Cabbie
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge.
Gunhawk
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. 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. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
ThoughtTracer
Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. 📱📖
Risen
With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Double Eerie
ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Princess Dove
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. 🌟📚 The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Black Walnut
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Dez North
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. 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! Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Polar Bee
🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖 Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature! ListenBook’s playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Undergrad
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. 📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟
Venom Petunia
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. Unlocking a world of literary wonders – this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. 📱🔊 Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension. 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!
Canary Apple Red
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
Take Away
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. 💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖
Proper
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
TulipCake
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Pockets
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Joker's Grin
📱 Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward – this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. 📚💫 With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
Freesia
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
GiddeeUP
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Loot
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process – I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
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