Book description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The author of The Devil in the White City and Dead Wake delivers an intimate chronicle of Winston Churchill and London during the Blitz--an inspiring portrait of courage and leadership in a time of unprecedented crisis "One of [Erik Larson's] best books yet . . . perfectly timed for the moment."--Time - "A bravura performance by one of America's greatest storytellers."--NPR NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review - Time - Vogue - NPR - The Washington Post - Chicago Tribune - The Globe & Mail - Fortune - Bloomberg - New York Post - The New York Public Library - Kirkus Reviews - LibraryReads - PopMatters On Winston Churchill's first day as prime minister, Adolf Hitler invaded Holland and Belgium. Poland and Czechoslovakia had already fallen, and the Dunkirk evacuation was just two weeks away. For the next twelve months, Hitler would wage a relentless bombing campaign, killing 45,000 Britons. It was up to Churchill to hold his country together and persuade President Franklin Roosevelt that Britain was a worthy ally--and willing to fight to the end. In The Splendid and the Vile, Erik Larson shows, in cinematic detail, how Churchill taught the British people "the art of being fearless." It is a story of political brinkmanship, but it's also an intimate domestic drama, set against the backdrop of Churchill's prime-ministerial country home, Chequers; his wartime retreat, Ditchley, where he and his entourage go when the moon is brightest and the bombing threat is highest; and of course 10 Downing Street in London. Drawing on diaries, original archival documents, and once-secret intelligence reports--some released only recently--Larson provides a new lens on London's darkest year through the day-to-day experience of Churchill and his family: his wife, Clementine; their youngest daughter, Mary, who chafes against her parents' wartime protectiveness; their son, Randolph, and his beautiful, unhappy wife, Pamela; Pamela's illicit lover, a dashing American emissary; and the advisers in Churchill's "Secret Circle," to whom he turns in the hardest moments. The Splendid and the Vile takes readers out of today's political dysfunction and back to a time of true leadership, when, in the face of unrelenting horror, Churchill's eloquence, courage, and perseverance bound a country, and a family, together.
MicroStar
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. Audiobook immersion simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset.
WordWanderer
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer – I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. 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.
Ginger Chaos
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
AlertXis
🎶📚 The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! 🎵🎧 ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with it—the narration was fine, and the story was okay—but nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Forger
The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! 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!
FireBrang
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. The layout of ListenBook is so beautiful and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
RiddleRover
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier – this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. 🎧🏞️ Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. 📚✨ The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits.
Shadow Chaser
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
NemesisX
💼 Making every minute count – this app's ease of use ensures I'm always making progress in my audiobook adventures. 📱📖 Audiobook immersion without complications – this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Elder Pogue
I've become addicted to this app – in the best possible way! ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Metal Star
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Atlantic Rim
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app.
ByteBard
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
Mad Jack
I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts.
Mud Pie Man
Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Charms
Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Eye Devil
This app has made 'reading' more versatile and enjoyable than ever. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers! This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
DreamDiver
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way – while cooking, working out, or even gardening. 🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Badger the Burglar
The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. 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!
Sleepwalker
⭐️ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality – I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. 👏🎧 With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything!
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