Book description
"An important book, brimming with insight."--Nicholas Evans, author of The Horse Whisperer A master craftsperson explores the ways in which working with our hands reveals the essence of both our humanity and our relationship with the natural, material world In our present age of computer-assisted design, mass production and machine precision, the traditional skills of the maker or craftsperson are hard to find. Yet the desire for well-made and beautiful objects from the hands (and mind) of a skilled artisan is just as present today as it ever has been. Whether the medium they work with is wood, metal, clay or something else, traditional makers are living links to the rich vein of knowledge and skills that defines our common human heritage. More than this, though, many of us harbor a deep and secret yearning to produce something - to build or shape, to imagine and create our own objects that are imbued not only with beauty and functionality, but with a story and, in essence, a spirit drawn from us. Nick Kary understands this yearning. For nearly four decades he has worked on commission to make fine, distinctive furniture and cabinets from wood, most of it sourced near his home, in the counties of South West England. During this time, he has been both a teacher and a student; one who is fascinated with the philosophy and practice of craft work of all kinds. In Material, Kary takes readers along with him to visit some of the places where modern artisans are preserving, and in some cases passing on, the old craft skills. His vivid descriptions and eye for detail make this book a rich and delightful read, and the natural and cultural history he imparts along the way provides an important context for understanding our own past and the roots of our industrial society. Personal, engaging, and filled with memorable people, landscapes and scenes, Material is a rich celebration of what it means to imagine and create, which in the end is the essence of being human, and native to a place. As Kary puts it, "Wood and words, trees and people, material and ethereal - it is here I love increasingly to dwell." Perfect for fans of The Hidden Life of Trees or Norwegian Wood, Material is a rich, inspiring read for woodworkers, potters, craftspeople, bibliophiles and anyone who enjoys working with their hands.
Noisy Girl
πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
Tall Sally
This app has completely transformed my commute β I look forward to it now! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide.
Lord Theus
ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. ποΈ Basking in the sun with an audiobook β relaxation meets storytelling paradise! βοΈπ
Tea Kettle
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver!
QuestQuill
I'm amazed at this app's ability to transport me to different worlds through stories. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
The Belgian
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Koi Diva
ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. πΌ Merging work and pleasure β audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! π»π§ Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. Iβm 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!
DreamDiver
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine.
Morbid Sugar
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Dance Bloom
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Tweety
This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Z-Boy
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable.
Lounge Master
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Loot
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. π My audiobook haven β this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! ππ ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket.
Aqua Monsoon
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go.
The Howling Swede
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Grave Scuttlebutt
Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! Iβm 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!
Midnight Rambler
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Potato Sub
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience β it's like having a personal audio library. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am.
The Shield Toronto
Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§ ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
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