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
Scrapper
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Berlin Kamikaze
ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Mrs. Voltage
The family subscription option is a money-saver β everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go.
ThoughtTrail
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ
Tomcat
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. ListenBook has revolutionized my audio experience, making it both personalized and engaging. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Jo Jo Spooky
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Austin Shamrock
I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. π Elevating my reading routine β this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. ππ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study.
Uluru Walker
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Charms
With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature! The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
CyberScribe
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book β brilliant! The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Bang Shift
This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. ππ Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier β this app's soothing voices π΄π§ The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience.
Washer
Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
True Sweetness
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. πΆ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! πΆπ
Apple Nola
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in β all thanks to this app. I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Troubadour
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
101
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
SkyGod
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
Stick Shift
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine.
Noh Noh
ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze β thank you, app developers! The import process is seamless. I had no trouble adding my audiobooks.
Doughboy, Esq
I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app β it's a companion. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
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