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.
Little Granger
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§
WanderWord
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. I love how I can create playlists. Itβs perfect for organizing my books.
Cujo
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
Esquire
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Skittle Mine
This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. ListenBookβs playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Bad Bond
πΆπ Replacing tunes with stories β my house is alive with the sound of narration! π§π π Adding excitement to each day β this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. ππ My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Domino Combat
π± Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go β this app is like a portable library in my pocket. ππ πΆπ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling β audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. π§π Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π
PixelPathfinder
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. ππ On-the-go listening has never been smoother β this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ππ User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ
NightWonka
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Natural Mess
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good! This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Sick Saurus
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature!
Double Eerie
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
RiddleRanger
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience.
Count Eagle
I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
ZenaCake
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word.
Judge
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Pyscho Hun
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Bad Badminton
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my dictaphone recordings much more comfortable to listen to. I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless.
QuestQuill
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
Mafia Princess
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
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