Book description
March 15th, 2024
Dear Fellow Reader,
I've just finished what can only be described as a masterclass in science fiction storytelling, and I'm compelled to share my thoughts with you. The Rediscovery of Man collection by Cordwainer Smith-really Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger wearing a literary mask-has left me thoroughly captivated.
What strikes me most profoundly is how Smith constructs an entire universe that spans millennia, yet feels intimately personal. These aren't just space adventures; they're mythic tales that read like archaeological fragments from a distant, decaying civilization. The chronological arrangement reveals something remarkable: we're witnessing the rise and fall of entire epochs of human existence.
Smith's prose carries an unadorned quality that somehow makes the extraordinary feel inevitable. His vision is starkly different from the optimistic science fiction of his era-no gleaming futures here, but rather stories where space travel exacts terrible prices and perfection itself becomes humanity's greatest enemy. The Instrumentality of Mankind emerges not as salvation but as desperate intervention in a stagnating species.
The moral complexity surrounding the Underpeople-beings evolved from animals into human form-creates genuine ethical dilemmas that resonate long after listening. Stories like "Scanners Live in Vain" and "A Planet Called Shayol" linger in the mind like half-remembered nightmares.
What makes this audiobook particularly compelling is how Smith's voice, as interpreted by the narrator, carries both the weight of ancient wisdom and the immediacy of lived experience. These aren't futurological predictions but rather cautionary tales wrapped in the clothing of far-future adventure.
This collection rewards serious listeners who appreciate science fiction that challenges as much as it entertains.
Yours in literary discovery,
A Fellow Traveler
Clover Rabbit
Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection.
Flashpoint
The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality.
Uluru Walker
Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Sir Shove
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is a true delight. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Roadspike
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Skirble
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
VileHero
User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Black Walnut
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Pocket Mazda
I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate.
Racy Lady
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Dove Dolce
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment.
Evil Smith
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Heartbreaker
πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. π±π
NecroBull
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
1st Degree
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. ποΈ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn β I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ππ ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ
Gold Dahlia
I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. 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.
Mantis Queen
πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
ThoughtTrail
π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
Mammoth 2
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ
SneakerKid
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
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