Book description
"A bold, sweeping bird's eye view of thousands of years of history that provides a truly global perspective of the past. A fantastic achievement."--Peter Frankopan, internationally bestselling author of The Silk Roads Prize-winning historian Naoíse Mac Sweeney delivers a captivating exploration of how "Western Civilization"--the concept of a single cultural inheritance extending from ancient Greece to modern times--is a powerful figment of our collective imagination. An urgently needed emergent voice in big history, she offers a bold new account of Western history, real and imagined, through the lives of fourteen remarkable individuals. In this groundbreaking, story-driven retelling of Western history, Naoíse Mac Sweeney debunks the myths and origin stories that underpin the history we thought we knew. Told through fourteen figures who each played a role in the creation of the Western idea--from Herodotus, a mixed-race migrant, to Phylis Wheatley, an enslaved African American who became a literary sensation; and from Gladstone, with a private passion for epic poetry, to the medieval Arab scholar Al-Kindi--the subjects are a mind-expanding blend of unsung heroes and familiar faces viewed afresh. These characters span the millennia and the continents, representing different religions, varying levels of wealth and education, diverse traditions and nationalities. Each life tells us something unexpected about the age in which it was lived and offers us a piece of the puzzle of how the modern idea of the West developed--and why we've misunderstood it for too long. The concept of "the West" is present in every daily interaction you have, from entertainment and politics to world markets and world history. This engagingly intimate history will reshape the way you see the world around you. At this moment of civilizational redefinition, if we are to chart a future for the West, we must properly understand its past.
InsightfulInk
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook! The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Petite Beauty
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. 🎉 Rekindling my love for reading – this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. 📚🔥 ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session.
Tea Kettle
The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience.
Bad Beret
💃 Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores – pure joy! 💃📖 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is a game-changer! This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Juice Petite
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to.
SubWoof330
With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
Sienna Princess
Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout. No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Crazy Eights
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality. I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. It’s perfect for my listening style. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Petite Flurry
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. It’s so easy to navigate. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient.
Classy Dancer
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content – it's a real game-changer. Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Bambi Wings
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. 📱 My pocket-sized library – this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! 📚📱 ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Short Firecracker
Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧 ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly. 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!
Esquire
The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Wanted Candy
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. This app's ease of use has made reading more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
DreamWeaver
ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. 🚶♀️📖 Walking my way through exciting narratives – this app makes exercise more fun! 🏞️🎧 🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠
Blister
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚
Squatch
🎉 Rekindling my literary flame – this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. 📖🚀 Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended!
Club Nola
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! The app is lightweight and doesn’t drain my battery.
FireBrang
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before.
Dandelion
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
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