Book description
From the bestselling author of SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome, the fascinating story of how images of Roman autocrats have influenced art, culture, and the representation of power for more than 2,000 years What does the face of power look like? Who gets commemorated in art and why? And how do we react to statues of politicians we deplore? In this book--against a background of today's "sculpture wars"--Mary Beard tells the story of how for more than two millennia portraits of the rich, powerful, and famous in the western world have been shaped by the image of Roman emperors, especially the "Twelve Caesars," from the ruthless Julius Caesar to the fly-torturing Domitian. Twelve Caesars asks why these murderous autocrats have loomed so large in art from antiquity and the Renaissance to today, when hapless leaders are still caricatured as Neros fiddling while Rome burns. Beginning with the importance of imperial portraits in Roman politics, this richly illustrated book offers a tour through 2,000 years of art and cultural history, presenting a fresh look at works by artists from Memling and Mantegna to the nineteenth-century American sculptor Edmonia Lewis, as well as by generations of weavers, cabinetmakers, silversmiths, printers, and ceramicists. Rather than a story of a simple repetition of stable, blandly conservative images of imperial men and women, Twelve Caesars is an unexpected tale of changing identities, clueless or deliberate misidentifications, fakes, and often ambivalent representations of authority. From Beard's reconstruction of Titian's extraordinary lost Room of the Emperors to her reinterpretation of Henry VIII's famous Caesarian tapestries, Twelve Caesars includes fascinating detective work and offers a gripping story of some of the most challenging and disturbing portraits of power ever created. Published in association with the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC
Oblivion
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. ๐ผ Merging work and pleasure โ audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! ๐ป๐ง ๐๏ธ๐ง Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads โ this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ๐๏ธ๐
Romance Guppy
The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Viceswerve
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed โ it's my form of meditation. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Alley Fiend
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes.
LocKz
I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player Iโve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Delirium
I've been recommending this app to all my friends โ it's a true game-changer. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Flint
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver โ no more losing my place in the story! I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. I love how I can create playlists. Itโs perfect for organizing my books.
Kickstart
๐ฑ Carrying stories wherever I go โ this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. ๐๐๏ธ AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends.
Arsenic Coo
Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment.
Highway
The sound quality is outstanding โ it's like having a movie theater in my ears! Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless.
Plegasus
Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
Twin Blaze
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
EchoEnigma
ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. ๐ผ Making work hours enjoyable โ audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. ๐ป๐ 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!
Universe Bullet
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. I'm addicted to this app โ it's like having a library in my pocket. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Rosie Bird
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. Audiobooks have never been this immersive โ this app transports me to different worlds. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightโnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Old Orange Eyes
ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Moon Laser
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection โ it's a parenting win! I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. ๐ Adding excitement to everyday tasks โ this app is my partner in productivity! ๐๐
Vixen
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
Vagabond Warrior
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorโs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnโt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
ZenaCake
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. ๐ก Making house chores more enjoyable โ audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. ๐ ๐ A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
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