Book description
"Bibliophiles will be enthralled." --PUBLISHERS WEEKLY"Immensely readable." --LIBRARY JOURNALFrom Gutenberg to Amazon, Michael Castleman's The Untold Story of Books is the first and only history of publishing told from a veteran author's point of view. Witty, entertaining, and full of remarkable new insights, it is a deeply researched, fascinating history of the idiosyncratic book business--aimed at authors, aspiring authors, booksellers, industry professionals, and everyone who loves to read books. Organized into three distinct book businesses, all defined by the evolution of printing, The Untold Story of Books explores how each new book business upended its predecessor, forcing authors, publishers, and booksellers to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. It's a story full of surprises: why did books become favored Christmas presents? Because of a poem written in 1823. Why is New York the nation's publishing capital? Because of the Erie Canal. Why are book endorsements called "blurbs"? Because of a satirist's joke in 1907. And why is copyright often an illusion? Because publishing was founded on book piracy, which today is easier and more rampant than ever. Arriving at the present day, Castleman paints a compelling portrait of an evolving book business full of new promise and peril.
About the Author
Michael Castleman grew up in Malverne, NY, a Long Island suburb of New York City. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan, and earned an M.A. in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism. He has lived in San Francisco since 1975. While editor of Medical Self-Care Magazine, Castleman was also a freelance magazine health writer focusing on optimal wellness, illness prevention, mainstream and alternative treatments, nutrition, fitness, and sexuality. He has written more than 2,500 magazine and Web articles, as well as nineteen books selling over 2.5 million copies. The Untold Story of Books: A Writer's History of Book Publishing is his twentieth.
Potato Sub
๐ Unlocking the door to imagination โ this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ๐๐ โญ๏ธ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality โ I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ๐๐ง The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
Twitch
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information.
Saturnalia
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. Bravo to the creators of this app โ they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ๐๐ The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks.
Round Kick Boomer
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. ListenBook is more than just an app โ it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. ListenBookโs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Phoenix Sparrow
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. ๐๏ธ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn โ I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ๐๐ Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Abiss
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find.
Shy Warrior
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes!
Trixie
AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature! The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
PixelPathfinder
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureโitโs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Moonflower
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Savoring audiobooks without complications โ this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
CuriousCrafter
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. ๐ง Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ๐๐ฑ The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Mental Prophet
Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itโs perfect for my needs. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineโgood narration, decent storyโbut it didnโt leave a lasting impression. If youโre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Cooger
With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Barbwire
I'm hooked on this app's curated content โ it's like having a personal librarian. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. I'm grateful for this app โ it's made reading a part of my everyday life. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
InfinityInsight
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ง Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks โ pure bliss! ๐๏ธ๐ Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook! ListenBook is packed with useful features. Itโs the best audiobook app Iโve used.
Landfill Max
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. โญ๏ธ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality โ I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. ๐๐ง The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
New York Sixlet
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket.
Gentle Avenger
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. Effortlessly exploring new worlds โ this app's design is user-centric and efficient. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
BuzzMouse
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Martini Flower
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. I can't imagine a day without this app โ it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Iโm 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!
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