Book description
"When this book was first published it received some attention from the critics but none at all from the public. Nazism was finished in the bunker in Berlin and its death warrant signed on the bench at Nuremberg." That's Milton Mayer, writing in a foreword to the 1966 edition of They Thought They Were Free. He's right about the critics: the book was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1956. General readers may have been slower to take notice, but over time they did--what we've seen over decades is that any time people, across the political spectrum, start to feel that freedom is threatened, the book experiences a ripple of word-of-mouth interest. And that interest has never been more prominent or potent than what we've seen in the past year. They Thought They Were Free is an eloquent and provocative examination of the development of fascism in Germany. Mayer's book is a study of ten Germans and their lives from 1933-45, based on interviews he conducted after the war when he lived in Germany. Mayer had a position as a research professor at the University of Frankfurt and lived in a nearby small Hessian town which he disguised with the name "Kronenberg." "These ten men were not men of distinction," Mayer noted, but they had been members of the Nazi Party; Mayer wanted to discover what had made them Nazis. His discussions with them of Nazism, the rise of the Reich, and mass complicity with evil became the backbone of this book, an indictment of the ordinary German that is all the more powerful for its refusal to let the rest of us pretend that our moment, our society, our country are fundamentally immune. A new foreword to this edition by eminent historian of the Reich Richard J. Evans puts the book in historical and contemporary context. We live in an age of fervid politics and hyperbolic rhetoric. They Thought They Were Free cuts through that, revealing instead the slow, quiet accretions of change, complicity, and abdication of moral authority that quietly mark the rise of evil.
About the Author
Milton Mayer (1908-86) was the author of What Can a Man Do? And coauthor of The Revolution in Education. He wrote for the Progressive, Harper's, and other outlets.
Canine Hannibal
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Instant Star
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions.
Overrun
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content.
Back Bett
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
Mr. 44
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way – through audiobooks! I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls – it's a joy to navigate. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Doll Champagne
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
RDTN
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. 🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 🎧 Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly – this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. 📚🌟 ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Sienna Princess
The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Eerie
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. 🚗 Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! 🚗📚 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
Senior Smurf
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
Vagabond Warrior
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
Snow Pharaoh
The app's layout is clean and intuitive, making it a pleasure to navigate. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literature.
TulipCake
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. 🚗📖 On-the-go listening has never been smoother – this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. 🚗📚 Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Super Flick
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. ⭐️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. 🎶📖 Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. I can’t believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Killer Curio
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. 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! 📱🔊 Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking.
Silver Rose
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. 🚶♀️🎧 Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales – walking never felt this magical! 🏞️📚 The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Berlin Kamikaze
With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
General Finish
Audiobook immersion made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks from various sources has become effortless. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
HedgeH0g2
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is a game-changer.
Stickers
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. Simplifying my audiobook experience – this app's design is remarkable.
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