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?
Sky Trinity
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Marshmallow Treat
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Devine Melon
ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
Wheels
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Kawaii Red
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. Audiobooks on this app have made my workouts more enjoyable and productive. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. 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!
Suicide Jockey
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together.
Killer Merlot
The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
NemesisX
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Wildcat Talent
The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnβt stop listening.
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift.
Rando Tank
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ
Dangle
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Good William
I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's robust features, I'm always just a tap away from immersing myself in captivating narratives. ππ± The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Darkside Hooker
The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. Finally, an app that supports all my audiobook formats! ListenBook is a game-changer.
Classy Dancer
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition! I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Firefly
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would. πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§ Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me.
Midnight Rambler
ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Gr8 Flick
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Admiral Tot
This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Plegasus
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! π Embracing reading in the digital age β this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. π±π I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
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