Book description
The creator of the hit podcast series Tides of History and Fall of Rome explores the four explosive decades between 1490 and 1530, bringing to life the dramatic and deeply human story of how the West was reborn. In the bestselling tradition of The Swerve and A Distant Mirror, The Verge tells the story of a period that marked a decisive turning point for both European and world history. Here, author Patrick Wyman examines two complementary and contradictory sides of the same historical coin: the world-altering implications of the developments of printed mass media, extreme taxation, exploitative globalization, humanistic learning, gunpowder warfare, and mass religious conflict in the long term, and their intensely disruptive consequences in the short-term. As told through the lives of ten real people--from famous figures like Christopher Columbus and wealthy banker Jakob Fugger to a ruthless small-time merchant and a one-armed mercenary captain--The Verge illustrates how their lives, and the times in which they lived, set the stage for an unprecedented globalized future. Over an intense forty-year period, the seeds for the so-called "Great Divergence" between Western Europe and the rest of the globe would be planted. From Columbus's voyage across the Atlantic to Martin Luther's sparking the Protestant Reformation, the foundations of our own, recognizably modern world came into being. For the past 500 years, historians, economists, and the policy-oriented have argued which of these individual developments best explains the West's rise from backwater periphery to global dominance. As The Verge presents it, however, the answer is far more nuanced.
Snake Eyes
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
StorySculptor
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight.
Prez Dog
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Lincoln Rider
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. 🚶♀️📖 Exploring stories as I stroll – audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. 🏞️🎧 📱 It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. 📚🔥 Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats – this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. 🎉🔊 ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Mallow Man
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
Roller Turtle
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
GiddeeUP
Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another.
Twix Bond
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time.
Light Despair
Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
Pistol Hydro
ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again.
Show Boat
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. 🔥 Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears – audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. 🎵📖 Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Houston
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Swedish Pixie
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Sky Bully
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. The speed adjustment feature is my secret weapon for studying complex materials.
Bowler
🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features.
Eerie
ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. ListenBook’s playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality.
RZR
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Shade Nightman
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience.
Switch
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
Pixie Soldier
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. 🏡 Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background – talk about productivity! 🧼📖 ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
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