Book description
Forget dusty textbooks. Hendrik van Loon's The Story of Mankind isn't just history-it's a thrilling adventure narrated with infectious warmth, perfectly suited for the audiobook format. Van Loon, a Dutch-American historian who lived through revolutions and wars, didn't just chronicle events; he made them breathe. His writing, meant for young readers but beloved by all, is a masterclass in storytelling: vivid, personal, and packed with the kind of anecdotes you'd hear over coffee.
The audiobook version brings this alive. You can almost hear van Loon's chuckle as he describes pharaohs or the chaos of medieval markets. He doesn't just list dates; he paints scenes-the clatter of chariots, the tension of ancient councils, the quiet genius of a forgotten artist. The rhythm of his prose, designed to feel conversational, flows effortlessly through audio. It's history as a campfire tale, not a lecture.
Don't let the "children's book" label fool you. This is a profound, human-centered journey through time. Van Loon shines when he focuses on the people behind the history: the artist who dared to paint the human form, the scholar who risked everything for an idea, the ordinary person navigating extraordinary times. He connects art, science, and culture seamlessly, showing how they shaped-and were shaped by-history. The Newbery Medal (the first ever awarded) wasn't just for accessibility; it was for making the past feel urgent and deeply personal.
The audiobook's update for the "millennium" ensures it remains relevant, but the heart of van Loon's voice remains unchanged. His informal, witty style-filled with phrases like "Now, here's a curious thing..."-translates brilliantly to audio. You're not listening to a history lesson; you're having a fascinating chat with a wise, enthusiastic friend who's lived it. It's the kind of history that makes you want to grab a friend and say, "You won't believe what happened next!"
Perfect for commutes, walks, or quiet evenings, The Story of Mankind audiobook is a gift. It doesn't just teach you about the past-it makes you feel you were there, part of the unfolding story. Van Loon's genius was always making history feel like it belonged to you. Now, with his words brought to life by a skilled narrator, that connection is stronger than ever. This isn't just a classic; it's a timeless companion for anyone curious about how we got here. You'll finish it feeling like you've known history's greatest characters all along.
Steel Solstice
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. Simplifying audiobook adventures – this app's ease of use is a delight. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook.
MysticMingle
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Dr. WMD
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Sugar Apple
ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream!
Preach Man
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Boost
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks – it's truly invigorating. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. 📱📖
Bad Bond
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖 Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is a true winner. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
RiddleRover
ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Lord Pistachio
This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Killer Merlot
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. 🏝️🎧 Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads – this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. 🏖️📚 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Ember Master
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. 🎶📚 Setting the mood with stories instead of songs – this app is my go-to playlist! 🎧🌟 ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Goldman
🎧 Carrying a world of literature in my headphones – this app's convenience is truly remarkable. 📚💫 ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. 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!
SereneScribe
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Worth every penny!
Hightower
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle.
Twitch
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Divine Quasar
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Saturn Extreme
I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
Reed Lady
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Capital F
Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Lady Pomegranate
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
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