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.
MysticMingle
π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Spellbinder
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Acid Gosling
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Tan Stallion
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Alberta
π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. 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!
RedFisher
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
Kazmii
Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
HighBomber
π This app has ignited my passion for reading β I can't get enough of its convenience! ππ₯ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
Trash Sling
Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Miss Fix It
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly.
ShadowDancer
My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. 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!
Houston Rocket
ListenBook has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again β it's a must-have app. π Unlocking the door to imagination β this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ππ Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Jelly Momentum
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
FireBerry
π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Demo Zero
π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
ThickSKN
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature.
Infinite Hole
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app!
Pixie Soldier
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Journeyman
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Referee
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go β kudos to this app's functionality. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
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