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.
Capital F
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Delicious Cupid
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
Freak
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Pompeii Unicorn
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
RealmRanger
Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. No more worries about compatibility β ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Hyper Kong
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations β it's like the app knows me! ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine β it's my ultimate audio companion. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Sugar Domino
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ Seamless integration of audiobooks β this app's ease of use is impressive.
Snow Pharaoh
Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's pure bliss. With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
Frosty Squid
πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π ποΈ The app's functionality is a true work of art β it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. ππ¨ ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Papa Smurf
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Microwave
Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.
Hidden Tree
The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. Say goodbye to boring commutes β this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. ππ My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thank you, ListenBook!
Master Jetson
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. ListenBook has streamlined my audiobook experience. It's a must-have app for enthusiasts. 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!
Snapdragon
Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile.
Snake Eyes
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection.
Palomino
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
The Beekeeper
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
Pixy Mox
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams!
ButterQuest
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight.
Sexy
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
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