Book description
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS' CHOICE • AN ECONOMIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • 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 AwardThe 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.
About the Author
ED CONWAY is economics and data editor of Sky News and a columnist for the Times (London). He has won numerous awards for his journalism, including most recently the 2018 Wincott Foundation Journalist of the Year Award. He lives in London.
Wheels
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. 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. 📱📖 ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks!
Napoleonic Haze
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser – a time-saver! ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse – chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. 🏃♂️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! 🏃♂️📖 I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. It’s so convenient.
Sir Squire
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. 🎧 Elevating my reading experience – this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. 📱📖 Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
LunaStar
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool. Navigating through chapters has never been easier. It's a user-friendly delight.
Magenta
This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
101
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Duchess
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! 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! 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!
Free Ham
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. 🌌🎧
MindfulMingle
With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate.
Cooger
This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning.
DZE
I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧 Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. 📱🎧 Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
ManMaker
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Z-Boy
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. I'm blown away by how this app has made my workouts more enjoyable and my mind more active. 🧘♀️☕ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook – relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. 🍵📖 The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus.
Sir Shark
The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
Admiral Tot
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. ⭐️ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality – I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. 👏🎧
Mr. Alien
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! 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.
ManManMan
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. 🎶📚 Setting the mood with stories instead of songs – this app is my go-to playlist! 🎧🌟 Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨ Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Toxic-oxide
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. I can't stop raving about this app – it's like having a personal library in my pocket. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories.
Beetle King
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
MythMaker
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. 🎉📚 Reigniting my passion for books – this app is my newfound reading obsession! 🔥🎧 🏃♂️📚 Combining fitness and fiction – this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! 🏃♂️📖 🎧 Elevating my reading experience – this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. 📱📖
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