Book description
Told by one of our greatest chroniclers of technology and society, the definitive biography of iconic serial visionary Stewart Brand, from the Merry Pranksters and the generation-defining Whole Earth Catalog to the marriage of environmental consciousness and hacker capitalism and the rise of a new planetary culture--the story behind so many other stories Stewart Brand has long been famous if you know who he is, but for many people outside the counterculture, early computing, or the environmental movement, he is perhaps best known for his famous mantra "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." Steve Jobs's endorsement of these words as his code to live by is fitting; Brand has played many roles, but one of the most important is as a model for how to live. The contradictions are striking: A blond-haired WASP with a modest family inheritance, Brand went to Exeter and Stanford and was an army veteran, but in California in the 1960s he became an artist and a photographer in the thick of the LSD revolution. While tripping on acid on the roof of his building, he envisioned how valuable it would be for humans to see a photograph of the planet they shared from space, an image that in the end landed on the cover of his Whole Earth Catalog, the defining publication of the counterculture. He married a Native American woman and was committed to protecting indigenous culture, which connected to a broader environmentalist mission that has been a through line of his life. At the same time, he has outraged purists because of his pragmatic embrace of useful technologies, including nuclear power, in the fight against climate change. The famous tagline promise of his catalog was "Access to Tools"; with rare exceptions he rejected politics for a focus on direct power. It was no wonder, then, that he was early to the promise of the computer revolution and helped define it for the wider world. Brand's life can be hard to fit onto one screen. John Markoff, also a great chronicler of tech culture, has done something extraordinary in unfolding the rich, twisting story of Brand's life against its proper landscape. As Markoff makes marvelously clear, the streams of individualism, respect for science, environmentalism, and Eastern and indigenous thought that flow through Brand's entire life form a powerful gestalt, a California state of mind that has a hegemonic power to this day. His way of thinking embraces a true planetary consciousness that may be the best hope we humans collectively have.
Esquire
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Lumberyard
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move.
Leaf Assassin
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. ππ
Sherm
ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have transformed my listening sessions into immersive journeys. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds.
Potato Sub
π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§ ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
StormCake
π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§ ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched. 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Shady Prairie
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
DragonBlood
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres β there's something for everyone. Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience.
Squatch
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Scratch
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive. With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. ππ§
Cool Law Topping
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ
Killer Merlot
πΆπ My new soundtrack? Audiobooks, of course! This app makes every day musical. π§πΆ 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 featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Aqua Diva
Streamlining my audiobook journey β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Midas
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
Mechani-Man
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. Finally, an app that understands the power of CUE playlists. Perfect for organizing.
Demolition Queen
An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§ A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Hoover Spark
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. π Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories β thank you, this app! ππ
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
MysticMingle
Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
Snow Hound
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine β it's a habit I cherish. π Simplifying my reading routine β this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. πβ¨ Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ
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