Book description
From Neanderthal string to 3D knitting, an "expansive" global history that highlights "how textiles truly changed the world" (Wall Street Journal)The story of humanity is the story of textiles--as old as civilization itself. Since the first thread was spun, the need for textiles has driven technology, business, politics, and culture.In The Fabric of Civilization, Virginia Postrel synthesizes groundbreaking research from archaeology, economics, and science to reveal a surprising history. From Minoans exporting wool colored with precious purple dye to Egypt, to Romans arrayed in costly Chinese silk, the cloth trade paved the crossroads of the ancient world. Textiles funded the Renaissance and the Mughal Empire; they gave us banks and bookkeeping, Michelangelo's David and the Taj Mahal. The cloth business spread the alphabet and arithmetic, propelled chemical research, and taught people to think in binary code. Assiduously researched and deftly narrated, The Fabric of Civilization tells the story of the world's most influential commodity."We are taken on a journey as epic, and varying, as the Silk Road itself.... [The Fabric of Civilization is] like a swatch of a Florentine Renaissance brocade: carefully woven, the technique precise, the colors a mix of shade and shine and an accurate representation of the whole cloth."--New York Times"Textile-making hasn't gotten enough credit for its own sophistication, and for all the ways it undergirds human technological innovation--an error Virginia Postrel's erudite and complete book goes a long way toward correcting at last."--Wired
ByteBard
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience.
Accidental Genius
This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments โ I'm forever grateful. Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. ๐๐ง Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Darkside Isis
๐๏ธ Basking in the sun with an audiobook โ relaxation meets storytelling paradise! โ๏ธ๐ Good for background listening. I didnโt get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narratorโs voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy. An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with itโthe narration was fine, and the story was okayโbut nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
180
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. Savoring audiobooks without complications โ this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Frosty Squid
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
ByteBard
Streamlining audiobook enjoyment โ this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use.
SubWoof330
๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Exploring stories as I stroll โ audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ๐๏ธ๐ง 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!
Mr. 44
Savoring audiobooks without complications โ this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session.
Squatch
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app โ it's revitalizing. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great!
Bambi Benz
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book โ so convenient! ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient โ no more complicated processes. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Demo
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 โ it shows their dedication to excellence. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Raid Bucker
The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
Spooky Electric
ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information. The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app.
Stick Shift
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. Audiobook joy made simple โ this app's ease of use is commendable. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. ๐ฑ๐ง
ReiGnZ
ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Devine Melon
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Chicago Blackout
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Staying entertained during leisurely walks โ audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ง A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnโt dislike it, but I also didnโt feel strongly about it one way or another.
Slug-em-dog
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends. 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!
Liquid Science
This app has reignited my passion for literature โ I'm devouring books like never before. The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
Hyper
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection โ there's always something new to discover. 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. ๐๐ง No more fussing with synchronization โ this app just gets it done!
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