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
Insane SweepKick
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments.
FrankenGrin
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go.
Club Nola
πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ 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. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers. 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!
InfinityInsight
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« Looping playback is a brilliant study tool. Thanks to ListenBook, my learning has improved!
Wiccan Trouble
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
White Swan
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
Firefly Caramel
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience.
Trash
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging!
Disco Thunder
With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Snow Cream
Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is remarkable. ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings.
Undergrad
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Storm Master
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Pyscho Hun
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. πββοΈπ§ ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before.
NexusNomad
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Pixy Mox
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds β this app's functionality is genius. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a breeze to use. It's an intuitive experience.
Pink Stream
User-friendly audiobook experience β this app's design is a standout. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Bleachers
Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience.
Contrary Mary
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Indestructible Potato
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Lewd Dice
Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
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