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.
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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