Book description
"Another gem from one of the world's justly celebrated historians specializing in unusual and always fascinating subjects and people." -- Booklist (starred review)The revered New York Times bestselling author traces the development of technology from the Industrial Age to the Digital Age to explore the single component crucial to advancement--precision--in a superb history that is both an homage and a warning for our future.The rise of manufacturing could not have happened without an attention to precision. At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in eighteenth-century England, standards of measurement were established, giving way to the development of machine tools--machines that make machines. Eventually, the application of precision tools and methods resulted in the creation and mass production of items from guns and glass to mirrors, lenses, and cameras--and eventually gave way to further breakthroughs, including gene splicing, microchips, and the Hadron Collider.Simon Winchester takes us back to origins of the Industrial Age, to England where he introduces the scientific minds that helped usher in modern production: John Wilkinson, Henry Maudslay, Joseph Bramah, Jesse Ramsden, and Joseph Whitworth. It was Thomas Jefferson who later exported their discoveries to the fledgling United States, setting the nation on its course to become a manufacturing titan. Winchester moves forward through time, to today's cutting-edge developments occurring around the world, from America to Western Europe to Asia.As he introduces the minds and methods that have changed the modern world, Winchester explores fundamental questions. Why is precision important? What are the different tools we use to measure it? Who has invented and perfected it? Has the pursuit of the ultra-precise in so many facets of human life blinded us to other things of equal value, such as an appreciation for the age-old traditions of craftsmanship, art, and high culture? Are we missing something that reflects the world as it is, rather than the world as we think we would wish it to be? And can the precise and the natural co-exist in society?
21st Street
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature!
Doughboy, Esq
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
Venom Charms
Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Dorothy Solitaire
Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
ThreadTrail
π± Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go β this app is like a portable library in my pocket. ππ I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Congo Wire
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
Osprey
π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ±
New York Winder
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π πΆββοΈπ Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks β nature and narratives, a perfect match! πΆββοΈπ§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail.
Snow Cream
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
InsightfulInk
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app! What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Third Moon
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable.
RealmRanger
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery β a win-win! ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus.
Deano
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes.
Suicide Jockey
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable.
Pockets
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± πΆπ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling β audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. π§π ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Red Hot Kevorkian
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials.
High Beam
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking and listening has never been this smooth β this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. ποΈπ Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
High Deck
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Charms
ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience.
Twinkle
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
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