Book description
"A delightful and fascinating book filled with insight and wit, which will make you think twice and cheer up." -- Steven PinkerIn a bold and provocative interpretation of economic history, Matt Ridley, the New York Times-bestselling author of Genome and The Red Queen, makes the case for an economics of hope, arguing that the benefits of commerce, technology, innovation, and change--what Ridley calls cultural evolution--will inevitably increase human prosperity. Fans of the works of Jared Diamond (Guns, Germs, and Steel), Niall Ferguson (The Ascent of Money), and Thomas Friedman (The World Is Flat) will find much to ponder and enjoy in The Rational Optimist.For two hundred years the pessimists have dominated public discourse, insisting that things will soon be getting much worse. But in fact, life is getting better--and at an accelerating rate. Food availability, income, and life span are up; disease, child mortality, and violence are down all across the globe. Africa is following Asia out of poverty; the Internet, the mobile phone, and container shipping are enriching people's lives as never before.An astute, refreshing, and revelatory work that covers the entire sweep of human history--from the Stone Age to the Internet--The Rational Optimist will change your way of thinking about the world for the better.
ShadowDancer
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier โ this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. ๐ง๐๏ธ Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. ๐๐ง I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
Easy Mac
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app โ it's like being in the story. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Juno Cream
๐ฑ Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap โ this app is my digital library card! ๐๐ฑ Iโm 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 Iโve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Natural Gold
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve 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!
Boost Princess
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer โ I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks.
Gamer Bean
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. This app is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The ability to adjust skip intervals and playback speed is fantastic. I also love the auto-bookmark featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Doll Champagne
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go โ kudos to this app's functionality.
Dora the Destroyer
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. Simplifying audiobook management โ this app's functionality is a true asset. Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ๐๐ง
Little Cobra
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
Ex0tic
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer โ I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. ๐ถ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators โ audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. ๐ต๐ With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything!
Demo Zero
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go โ kudos to this app's functionality. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle โ this app's design is a win.
Murder Cherry
ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Manly
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. I've fallen in love with literature all over again, thanks to this incredible app.
Crash Enforcer
This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
ThoughtTrailblazer
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores โ this app is a lifesaver! ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Exploring stories as I stroll โ audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ๐๏ธ๐ง With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile!
DreamDiver
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality โ a journey into captivating worlds. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Friday Fox
I'm hooked on this app โ it's like Netflix for book lovers! ListenBook is a game-changer โ it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Proper
๐๏ธ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency โ I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. ๐ถ๐ CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
ManMaker
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again โ it's a must-have. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
DreamWeaver
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge โ talk about efficiency! My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. ๐ฅ Simplifying my reading routine โ the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ๐๐
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