Book description
From the award-winning biographer of Chaucer, the story of his most popular and scandalous character, from the Middle Ages to #MeToo Ever since her triumphant debut in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, the Wife of Bath, arguably the first ordinary and recognisably real woman in English literature, has obsessed readers--from Shakespeare to James Joyce, Voltaire to Pasolini, Dryden to Zadie Smith. Few literary characters have led such colourful lives or matched her influence or capacity for reinvention in poetry, drama, fiction, and film. In The Wife of Bath, Marion Turner tells the fascinating story of where Chaucer's favourite character came from, how she related to real medieval women, and where her many travels have taken her since the fourteenth century, from Falstaff and Molly Bloom to #MeToo and Black Lives Matter. A sexually active and funny working woman, the Wife of Bath, also known as Alison, talks explicitly about sexual pleasure. She is also a victim of domestic abuse who tells a story of rape and redemption. Formed from misogynist sources, she plays with stereotypes. Turner sets Alison's fictional story alongside the lives of real medieval women--from a maid who travelled around Europe, abandoned her employer, and forged a new career in Rome to a duchess who married her fourth husband, a teenager, when she was sixty-five. Turner also tells the incredible story of Alison's post-medieval life, from seventeenth-century ballads and Polish communist pop art to her reclamation by postcolonial Black British women writers. Entertaining and enlightening, funny and provocative, The Wife of Bath is a one-of-a-kind history of a literary and feminist icon who continues to capture the imagination of readers.
Grave Digger
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Guillotine Trigger
Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is a game-changer. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I love the statistics feature. It’s fun to see how much I’ve listened.
Lightweight
I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Starshine
🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient. I love the variety of themes available. It makes the app feel personalized. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Frenzy
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs.
ThoughtTracer
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. 🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 💪 Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls – I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. 💼📚 is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
Daffy Neo
No more worries about compatibility – ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖 ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
ThoughtTracer
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is impressive. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. 💎📚
Spider Fuji
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. 🎙️ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level – audiobooks make it an adventure! 🛒📚 🌟 Adding excitement to everyday tasks – this app is my partner in productivity! 📚🚀 Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
Liquid Death
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚
Chocolate Thunder
This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits – it's a game-changer. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Disco Potato
No more fighting over the radio during family trips – we're all hooked on audiobooks now. I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
CuriousCraft
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. 🏝️ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures – this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. ☀️📖 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to spread the joy. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable. 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.
NoiseCake
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Carrot Joker
This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text. 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.
Copilot
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable.
Dez Bonbon
ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful.
ThoughtTrailblazer
I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
Purity
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration – it's like flipping through pages. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. Mastering audiobook navigation – this app's ease of use is commendable.
RawSkills
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧 The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever.
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