Book description
Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in Biography A double portrait of two of America's most influential writers that reveals the surprising connections between them--and their uncanny relevance to our age of crisis Up from the Depths tells the interconnected stories of two of the most important writers in American history--the novelist and poet Herman Melville (1819-1891) and one of his earliest biographers, the literary critic and historian Lewis Mumford (1895-1990). Deftly cutting back and forth between the writers, Aaron Sachs reveals the surprising resonances between their lives, work, and troubled times--and their uncanny relevance in our own age of crisis. The author of Moby-Dick was largely forgotten for several decades after his death, but Mumford helped spearhead Melville's revival in the aftermath of World War I and the 1918-1919 flu pandemic, when American culture needed a forebear with a suitably dark vision. As Mumford's career took off and he wrote books responding to the machine age, urban decay, world war, and environmental degradation, it was looking back to Melville's confrontation with crises such as industrialization, slavery, and the Civil War that helped Mumford to see his own era clearly. Mumford remained obsessed with Melville, ultimately helping to canonize him as America's greatest tragedian. But largely forgotten today is one of Mumford's key insights--that Melville's darkness was balanced by an inspiring determination to endure. Amid today's foreboding over global warming, racism, technology, pandemics, and other crises, Melville and Mumford remind us that we've been in this struggle for a long time. To rediscover these writers today is to rediscover how history can offer hope in dark times.
Palomino Cake
The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Muzish
πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§ ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings.
Pigeon Woman
πΆπ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling β audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. π§π Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Mirage
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable.
Snapple Whistler
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Flame OUT
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. βοΈ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! π§Ήπ°
Cool Law Topping
Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Pepper
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket.
Aqua Monsoon
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ User-friendly brilliance! This app's functionality enhances my audiobook experience. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives.
Mustard Centaur
This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
Unleashed
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks.
DanimalDaze
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Thumb Candy
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Grinch Cheese
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Mt. Indiana
Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature that adds a personal touch. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings.
Fist Wizard
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! No more straining my eyes to read β now I can simply immerse myself in storytelling. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout.
Stud
π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable.
JigKraken
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way.
Mindless Bobcat
Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey.
Shady Lady
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. 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