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.
Mad Irishman
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Chip Queen
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable.
Snapdragon
ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. 💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is truly impressive. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧 Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks.
FearLeSS
No more hassle with converting files – ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs.
MuseMaster
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Valley Guardian
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source.
Swing Setter
Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Cooger
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
CosPlatoon
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
NeoGermal
The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Uluru Walker
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance – it's like having a personal audiobook curator. 💡 This app is a brilliant way to squeeze in reading time amidst my busy schedule! 📱👩🍳 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience.
Darkside Orbit
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
ByteBard
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. 💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight.
Capital F
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Twin Blaze
ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. 🎙️ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn – I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! 🛒📚 📱 An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality – audiobook listening has never been this effortless. 📖🔗 ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers.
Taffy Duchess
Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Lucky Brandy
I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Acid Gosling
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable.
Coma Stalk
No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
Freak
ListenBook's user-friendly audio filters and controls have made my audiobook sessions more interactive and engaging. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it! Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
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