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.
Plenty Orange
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Easy Mac
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. With this app, reading is no longer a task – it's a delightful habit. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
GoldTouch
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Troubled Chick
I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Electric Player
Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. 📚👏 Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Universe Bullet
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. 🌌 Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey – thank you, this app! ✨📚 I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient.
Twinkle Cocoa
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
Heavenly Connection
🌟 Say goodbye to boredom during long drives – this app makes road trips fly by! 🚗🎉 Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Download options are abundant, from WiFi to iTunes. It's all about convenience with this app.
Lightweight
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Sleepwalker
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving.
The Beekeeper
🎧 Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly – this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. 📚🌟 ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine. I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
PixelPioneer
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. 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!
Bitmap
I used to struggle to find time for books – now, I listen while doing chores! This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Stud
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart.
VenusXX
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization.
InsightInkwell
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days.
Midnight Rambler
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket – truly amazing! ListenBook's support for various formats means I can explore a wide range of content without limitations. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! 🌟📚
Twinkle Cocoa
Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧
Hitch Frenzy
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. No more fussing with synchronization – this app just gets it done! I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
Miss Fix It
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
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