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.
Bleach
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Roller Girl
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧 ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now.
Daffy Neo
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again.
Carrot Joker
No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Eerie
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Mud Pie Man
Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Uncle Psycho
🚗📖 Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks – driving has never been this fun! 🚗🎧 I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Badger the Burglar
💡 Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks – this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. 📱📖 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Canary Apple Red
As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! 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.
Girl Brownie
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Hemingway Mirmillone
I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. 🏃♀️🎧 ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app!
Skool
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained.
RetroMirage
With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. 🌟 Adding excitement to everyday tasks – this app is my partner in productivity! 📚🚀 Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Drop Stone
🎙️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. 🎶📚 📚 Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. 📱🎧 The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Doz
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. 📱📖 I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a bonding experience made easy through AirDrop and sharing options. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
Duchess
Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again – it's a must-have. ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
CloudFrenzy
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
NemesisX
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style.
Acetic Princess
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move – it's like having a tutor by my side. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Kill Switch
Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. I’m 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! I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
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