Book description
An entertaining and illuminating collection of weird, wonderful, and downright baffling words from the origins of English--and what they reveal about the lives of the earliest English speakers Old English is the language you think you know until you actually hear or see it. Unlike Shakespearean English or even Chaucer's Middle English, Old English--the language of Beowulf--defies comprehension by untrained modern readers. Used throughout much of Britain more than a thousand years ago, it is rich with words that haven't changed (like word), others that are unrecognizable (such as neorxnawang, or paradise), and some that are mystifying even in translation (gafol-fisc, or tax-fish). In this delightful book, Hana Videen gathers a glorious trove of these gems and uses them to illuminate the lives of the earliest English speakers. We discover a world where choking on a bit of bread might prove your guilt, where fiend-ship was as likely as friendship, and where you might grow up to be a laughter-smith. The Wordhord takes readers on a journey through Old English words and customs related to practical daily activities (eating, drinking, learning, working); relationships and entertainment; health and the body, mind, and soul; the natural world (animals, plants, and weather); locations and travel (the source of some of the most evocative words in Old English); mortality, religion, and fate; and the imagination and storytelling. Each chapter ends with its own "wordhord"--a list of its Old English terms, with definitions and pronunciations. Entertaining and enlightening, The Wordhord reveals the magical roots of the language you're reading right now: you'll never look at--or speak--English in the same way again.
MythMaker
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook.
InfinityInsight
The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it! The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Shadow Chaser
I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met.
Master Jetson
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Innocent Ghost
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine โ it's a habit I cherish. ๐ถ๐ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. ๐ง๐ถ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
Slow Trot
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Sprinkle Lovenuts
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True Sweetness
Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. 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.
Esquire
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Muzish
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier โ this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. ๐ฑ๐ง Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
Feral Filly
I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance โ it's a must-have for any reader. Unlocking a world of literary wonders โ this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. ๐ฑ๐ This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
HedgeH0g2
ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
WanderWord
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Sky Herald
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itโs a unique feature. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Mad Viral
The app is so reliable. Iโve never had any issues with it. 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.
Moon Solitaire
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. Organization made simple โ this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ๐๐ฑ The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Broomspun
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Old Orange Eyes
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Kitchen
ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. Iโm 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!
Blink
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient โ it's like having a personal narrator. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
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