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
Roadblock
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my downtime more enriching and meaningful. π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π
RealmRanger
I can't get enough of this app's versatile features β from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Bitmap
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Alias Stick
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app.
Jersey
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InsightInkwell
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is a marvel. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Turnip King
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it.
Predator
Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Indestructible Potato
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Homerun Diva
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Lounge Master
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. π± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! ππ₯ Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Green Ghost
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57 Pixels
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Barbwire
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph. 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. ππ§ Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
21st Street
Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Woo Woo
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket.
Wooden German
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. ListenBook's commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in its sleek design and intuitive controls. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Goldman
I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts.
Corny
ListenBook's support for various audio formats makes it a versatile app for all kinds of audiobook enthusiasts. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Sepukku
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
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