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.
Bazooka Har-de-har
Effortless audiobook management โ this app's usability is a winner. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. ListenBookโs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
DZE
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. ๐ช Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier โ this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. ๐ผ๐ Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ๐๐ฑ I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings.
ThoughtTraveler
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library โ this app's design is a triumph. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Lady Pomegranate
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Raid Bucker
๐ This app has ignited my passion for reading โ I can't get enough of its convenience! ๐๐ฅ ๐ Unlocking the door to imagination โ this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. ๐๐ ๐ Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app โ it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ๐๐ฅ ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly.
Pepper Legs
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook.
Apple Nola
๐ Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores โ pure joy! ๐๐ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
Lady Peach
This app has made multitasking a breeze โ I can 'read' while I work! โญ๏ธ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency โ I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. ๐ถ๐ Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ๐๐ Drag and drop downloads directly from my web browser? That's a level of convenience I appreciate.
Bad Badminton
I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. ๐๏ธ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency โ I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. ๐ถ๐ Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze โ thank you, app developers!
MindfulMingle
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. โญ๏ธ Kudos to the developers for creating an app that's both functional and user-friendly. I can navigate and enjoy my books effortlessly. ๐๐ The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions.
ForumFlare
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. ๐ฑ๐ Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Jelly Camber
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible! With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine.
Liquid Science
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. ๐ Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! ๐๐ซ ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
AlertXis
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality โ it's evident in every feature. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. ๐ฑ Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go โ this app is like a portable library in my pocket. ๐๐ The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Hitch Frenzy
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience.
Referee
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app โ it's revitalizing. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process โ I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. Unlocking a world of literary wonders โ this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. ๐ฑ๐
Infinite Hole
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process โ I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks.
Swampmasher
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity.
Cowboy Booter
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. ๐๐ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed โ bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! ๐ด๐ง Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers!
New Magoo
ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. ๐ฑ An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts โ it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ๐๐ก Looping playback is a fantastic study tool. It helps me focus and retain information effectively.
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