Book description
# This Crowded Earth: A Claustrophobic Masterpiece That Feels More Relevant Than Ever
Robert Bloch's "This Crowded Earth" isn't just another forgotten sci-fi gem from the pulp era-it's a prescient nightmare that deserves a spot on your audiobook playlist.
## Why This Overpopulation Thriller Still Hits Hard
Published in 1958 but set in humanity's cramped future, this novel tackles themes that feel ripped from today's headlines. Bloch, best known for "Psycho," proves he's equally masterful at building atmospheric tension through ideas rather than just gore and suspense.
The audiobook format actually enhances the experience-there's something deeply unsettling about hearing descriptions of overcrowded cities and resource scarcity when you're commuting through your own packed urban landscape.
## What Makes Bloch Special
Don't let the "pulp fiction" label fool you. Bloch was mentored by H.P. Lovecraft and rubbed shoulders with Stanley G. Weinbaum, but he carved out his own niche blending psychological horror with social commentary. His background in fanzines and vaudeville gave him a unique ear for dialogue that translates beautifully to audio.
## The Audiobook Experience
At just under 3.5 hours, this is perfect for a weekend deep-dive. The narrator captures Bloch's blend of paranoia and dark humor without overacting-a common pitfall with older sci-fi adaptations.
Bottom line: If you enjoyed Bloch's work in television (including those classic Star Trek episodes) or appreciate thoughtful science fiction that doesn't sacrifice entertainment value, "This Crowded Earth" delivers. It's like "Soylent Green" meets "The Twilight Zone," with less cheese and more genuine unease.
Give it a listen before our own crowded Earth makes this fiction feel uncomfortably like documentary.
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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