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.
Ladybird
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. 🎉 This app has turned my errands into exciting quests – I can conquer the grocery store while enjoying a book! 🛒📖 Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.
Wiccan Thunder
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
Trash Master
With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
InfinityInsight
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. 🏃♀️📚 Running with purpose – audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. 🏃♀️🎧 I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient.
Corny
This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Poptart AK47
Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Hen Skittle
This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
StorySculptor
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level – it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's a convenient habit. 🌌 Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey – thank you, this app! ✨📚 Audiobooks made delightful – this app's usability is a breath of fresh air.
FireBerry
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments.
Manly Reno
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. 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.
Disco Thunder
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. 💡 Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine – this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. 📱📖 The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied.
Tough Nut
ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Fire Sass
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Ella of Light
With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. 📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
Carrot Joker
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. 📱📖 The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find.
Marshmallow Treat
🎶 Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! 🎶📖 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Venom Petunia
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. 🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚 🔥 Simplifying my reading routine – the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. 📚🔗 Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly.
Wonder Lady
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly.
Kawaii Red
📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 📚 The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. 📱📖 Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream – simple and efficient. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Flakes
This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. ListenBook’s playback is smooth and reliable. I never have issues with audio quality.
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