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?
Toxic-oxide
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality.
Rummy Stickers
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Minty Devil
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
Washer
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars! An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Lunar Treat
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy – it's eye-opening. I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
Pinball Wizard
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
MeeP
This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. 📱📖 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!
S’more Vixen
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch.
Berry Succubus
Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable. 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.
Chew Chew
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. Audiobooks on demand – this app's functionality is a true technological gem. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Thumb Candy
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Gas Man
ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts. I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Chip Queen
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Free Ham
This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. 🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟 The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! 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!
Fist Wizard
⏰ Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks – energizing! 🌅🎧 ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy.
Cream
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
InsightfulInk
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations.
Freak
This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. I’m 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!
Bambi Wings
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book – so convenient! With this app, I can devour books like never before – it's incredibly efficient. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment.
Gold Dahlia
🔥 Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger – this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. 📱📖 No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
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