Book description
"[A] tour de force of global history...Bosma has turned the humble sugar crystal into a mighty prism for understanding aspects of global history and the world in which we live."--Los Angeles Review of Books The definitive 2,500-year history of sugar and its human costs, from its little-known origins as a luxury good in Asia to worldwide environmental devastation and the obesity pandemic. For most of history, humans did without refined sugar. After all, it serves no necessary purpose in our diets, and extracting it from plants takes hard work and ingenuity. Granulated sugar was first produced in India around the sixth century BC, yet for almost 2,500 years afterward sugar remained marginal in the diets of most people. Then, suddenly, it was everywhere. How did sugar find its way into almost all the food we eat, fostering illness and ecological crisis along the way? The World of Sugar begins with the earliest evidence of sugar production. Through the Middle Ages, traders brought small quantities of the precious white crystals to rajahs, emperors, and caliphs. But after sugar crossed the Mediterranean to Europe, where cane could not be cultivated, demand spawned a brutal quest for supply. European cravings were satisfied by enslaved labor; two-thirds of the 12.5 million Africans taken across the Atlantic were destined for sugar plantations. By the twentieth century, sugar was a major source of calories in diets across Europe and North America. Sugar transformed life on every continent, creating and destroying whole cultures through industrialization, labor migration, and changes in diet. Sugar made fortunes, corrupted governments, and shaped the policies of technocrats. And it provoked freedom cries that rang with world-changing consequences. In Ulbe Bosma's definitive telling, to understand sugar's past is to glimpse the origins of our own world of corn syrup and ethanol and begin to see the threat that a not-so-simple commodity poses to our bodies, our environment, and our communities.
Wooden Man
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itโs so easy to navigate.
Blood Taker
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. ๐ผ Workday blues? Not anymore โ this app turns my office hours into reading time! ๐ป๐ Streamlining audiobook enjoyment โ this app's functionality is truly impressive. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
DreadSherX
Audiobooks have never been this immersive โ this app transports me to different worlds. ๐ The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. ๐ฑ๐ง Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are fantastic features. The app never crashes. Itโs reliable and stable.
Ex0tic
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
Marshmallow
The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library โ this app's design is a triumph.
Take Away
๐ Say goodbye to boredom during long drives โ this app makes road trips fly by! ๐๐ With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Glyph
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate โ it's like they know my taste perfectly! With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained.
DanimalDaze
This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge.
Kimono Goddess
ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. ๐ถ๐ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies โ my ears are in love! ๐ต๐ Effortlessly exploring new worlds โ this app's design is user-centric and efficient.
JigKraken
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
FearLeSS
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. I can't get enough of this app's convenience โ it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. ๐ Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores โ pure joy! ๐๐ The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Copilot
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narratorโs voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldnโt necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Lumberyard
๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure โ I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ๐๏ธ๐ ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Looping playback has revolutionized my study sessions. I'm learning faster than ever. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Bad Badminton
With this app, reading is no longer a task โ it's a delightful habit. I'm impressed by the app's performance โ it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts.
Super Flick
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side.
BlacKitten
๐ This app is a testament to thoughtful design โ its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. ๐โจ The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. I love the statistics feature. Itโs fun to see how much Iโve listened.
Blood Taker
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic.
Marine Dre
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ๐๐ฑ Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
SprkR
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itโs a fun feature.
Killer Curio
Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection โ this app's functionality is a winner. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient. Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
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