Book description
Sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium. These fundamental materials have created empires, razed civilizations, and fed our ingenuity and greed for thousands of years. Without them, our modern world would not exist, and the battle to control them will determine our future. - Finalist for the Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year Award The fiber-optic cables that weave the World Wide Web, the copper veins of our electric grids, the silicon chips and lithium batteries that power our phones and cars: though it can feel like we now live in a weightless world of information--what Ed Conway calls "the ethereal world"--our twenty-first-century lives are still very much rooted in the material. In fact, we dug more stuff out of the earth in 2017 than in all of human history before 1950. For every ton of fossil fuels, we extract six tons of other materials, from sand to stone to wood to metal. And in Material World, Conway embarks on an epic journey across continents, cultures, and epochs to reveal the underpinnings of modern life on Earth--traveling from the sweltering depths of the deepest mine in Europe to spotless silicon chip factories in Taiwan to the eerie green pools where lithium originates. Material World is a celebration of the humans and the human networks, the miraculous processes and the little-known companies, that combine to turn raw materials into things of wonder. This is the story of human civilization from an entirely new perspective: the ground up.
X-Dew
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Sienna Princess
ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive!
Sherm
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality.
DuckDuck
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. Streamlining my audiobook journey – this app's design is top-notch. Audiobook excellence simplified – this app's functionality is a true delight.
Buckshot
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Breadmaker
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used.
Fadey
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences.
Versace-Cat
⭐️ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency – I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. 🎶📖 Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back!
BlackExcalibur
The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app. The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Star Jammer
This app has revolutionized my daily routine – I can't imagine life without it. ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs.
Purity
🌟 Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app – it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! 📚🔥 ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential!
Whipsaw
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable.
The China Wall
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. No more interruptions – the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Mr. Gadget
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories.
Bruh
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. Thanks to ListenBook, I'm now exploring different genres and formats I never thought I would.
Miss Nova
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available – so much to learn! This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Cosmo
Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. 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.
Skool
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level. ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination.
MysticMingle
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Santa's Little Helper
The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
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