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.
Drugstore Cowboy
This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Lady Peach
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. ListenBookโs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Lord Theus
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
CodeExia
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook! ListenBookโs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itโs a unique feature.
Star Jammer
An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ๐๐ง ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itโs so easy.
ThoughtTracer
The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
1st Degree
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Lincoln Rider
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. I love the ability to change the background color. Itโs a nice touch.
Mule Skinner
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. Audiobooks made convenient โ this app's functionality is impressive. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Combo Saw
This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. ๐ผ Workday blues? Not anymore โ this app turns my office hours into reading time! ๐ป๐ ๐ผ Enhancing work-from-home productivity โ audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. ๐ป๐ ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnโt call it unforgettable.
Knuckles
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition โ I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend! Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Boo
ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Rook
Audiobooks made convenient โ this app's functionality is a true gift. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. ๐ง๐ฑ Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ๐๐ I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. I love the ability to change the background color. Itโs a nice touch.
Campfire Mama
This audiobook app is a true gem โ it brings stories to life with every click. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ Combining fitness and fiction โ this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! ๐โโ๏ธ๐ Effortless and enriching โ 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. ๐ฑ๐ Effortless and enriching โ that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. ๐ฑ๐
High Kingdom Warrior
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. ListenBookโs CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Dr. Jam Man
Audiobook pleasure simplified โ this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ๐๐ ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly.
Dr. Cocktail
With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itโs a unique feature.
RedFeet
Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ๐๐ง ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Saber-RED
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. ๐ Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ๐๐ ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Bad Bunny
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. ListenBookโs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
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