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.
Digital Moonshine
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination.
Aqua Diva
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate.
Fresh Peper
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments.
MuseMaster
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Lady Killer
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes. I’m 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!
Chew Chew
User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Digital Equinox
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. Unlocking a world of literary wonders – this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. 📱🔊 Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Doll Champagne
Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved! ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Show Boat
Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio. 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.
Delicious
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Electric Player
Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
Reno Monarch
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. 🌟 Adding excitement to everyday tasks – this app is my partner in productivity! 📚🚀 The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Lord Theus
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. 💃 Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores – a dance of productivity! 🎶📖
Drugstore Cowboy
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
General Finish
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Texas Butterfly
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Scare Stone
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Venom Charms
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! 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!
Liquid Science
ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience.
Killer Curio
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
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