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.
MicroStar
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance!
MuseMaster
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface – it's a true delight. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
Killer Curio
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
HolyCombo
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
Frenzy
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner.
Murmur
Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Dez North
🏃♀️📖 Running with purpose – this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! 🏃♀️📚 ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. 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.
DeathDancer
I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is a true delight. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Bae
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
JK Friend
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked!
Fist Wizard
The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Universe Bullet
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. With this app, I can devour books like never before – it's incredibly efficient. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. 🎉📚
Barbwire
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. 📱 An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality – audiobook listening has never been this effortless. 📖🔗 The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
Cooger
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. 🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. 🎉🎧
Most Wanted
ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal – unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Hoover Spark
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to a whole new level. I 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 listen to books at night.
Gentle Avenger
The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Mr. Fabulous
Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits.
Domino Combat
I'm amazed by the variety of genres available – there's something for everyone. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips.
Pixie Taze
Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature!
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