Book description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - A magisterial world history unlike any other that tells the story of humanity through the one thing we all have in common: families - From the author of The Romanovs"Succession meets Game of Thrones." --The Spectator - "The author brings his cast of dynastic titans, rogues and psychopaths to life...An epic that both entertains and informs." --The Economist, Best Books of the Year Around 950,000 years ago, a family of five walked along the beach and left behind the oldest family footprints ever discovered. For award-winning historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, these poignant, familiar fossils serve as an inspiration for a new kind of world history, one that is genuinely global, spans all eras and all continents, and focuses on the family ties that connect every one of us. In this epic, ever-surprising book, Montefiore chronicles the world's great dynasties across human history through palace intrigues, love affairs, and family lives, linking grand themes of war, migration, plague, religion, and technology to the people at the heart of the human drama. It features a cast of extraordinary diversity: in addition to rulers and conquerors, there are priests, charlatans, artists, scientists, tycoons, gangsters, lovers, husbands, wives, and children. There is Hongwu, the beggar who founded the Ming dynasty; Ewuare, the Leopard-King of Benin; Henry Christophe, King of Haiti; Kamehameha, the conqueror of Hawaii; Zenobia, the Arab empress who defied Rome; Lady Murasaki, the first female novelist; Sayyida al-Hurra, the Moroccan pirate-queen. Here too are moderns such as Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelensky. Here are the Caesars, Medicis and Incas, Ottomans and Mughals, Bonapartes, Habsburgs and Zulus, Rothschilds, Rockefellers and Krupps, Churchills, Kennedys, Castros, Nehrus, Pahlavis and Kenyattas, Saudis, Kims and Assads. These powerful families represent the breadth of human endeavor, with bloody succession battles, treacherous conspiracies, and shocking megalomania alongside flourishing culture, moving romances, and enlightened benevolence. A dazzling achievement as spellbinding as fiction, The World captures the whole human story in a single, masterful narrative.
LuminaLore
I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. πΆββοΈπ§ Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales β walking never felt this magical! ποΈπ Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing.
Toy Peep
ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§
Pluto
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Rusty Vortex
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight.
Versace-Cat
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. I've become a more empathetic listener and reader, thanks to the power of audiobooks. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done!
Zod
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Pusher
With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Voluntary
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality.
Ex0tic
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
Killah Goose
Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me.
Most Wanted
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§ The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle. ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration.
Sir Squire
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. ListenBook's customizable audio filters allow me to personalize my listening experience β a fantastic feature. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life.
Morbid Sugar
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Jester
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Crazy Rox
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights β it's a true audio marvel.
VisionVoyager
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful. π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! π±π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content.
Winter Underdog
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story.
PepperBurst
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional.
Natural Mess
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever.
Seattle Jay
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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