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.
ThoughtTraveler
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Blinker
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Pink Hopper
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits โ truly impressive. I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers.
Lightweight
The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackโit's all up to me! Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
RealmRanger
With ListenBook, I've rediscovered my love for audiobooks. The binaural audio processing is a game-changer for comfortable, fatigue-free listening. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Po1son
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its impeccable audio quality and user-friendly features. Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle.
Kill Switch
ListenBook's clean interface and organized layout make it a pleasure to browse through my audiobooks. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnโt call it unforgettable.
Bridge Whip
ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. ListenBook has given me the gift of time โ turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
Spellbinder
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ๐๐ง
Clover Rabbit
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. I've never been so entertained while doing household chores โ this app is a lifesaver! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. 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 Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
ThoughtTrailblazer
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. ๐ง An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand โ this app is pure convenience! ๐๐ ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve 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! 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.
Sun Lemon
My commutes to work have transformed into exciting journeys thanks to this app. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnโt have any major complaints, but I also donโt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Eerie
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. ๐ถ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! ๐ต๐ The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Darkside Hooker
Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. The app is worth every penny. Itโs packed with features and works flawlessly.
Seal Snake
๐ง Making housework more enjoyable โ audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. ๐งน๐ The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itโs a pleasure to use. 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!
Gumby Train
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ๐ Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner โ this app adds flavor to every meal! ๐ฒ๐ I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! ListenBookโs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
AirportHobo XD
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. The audio filters on ListenBook enhance the sound quality, making every listening session a treat for my ears. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
NightDream
I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. ๐ Embracing reading in the busiest of times โ this app is my everyday escape! ๐๐โโ๏ธ Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Miss Mustard
I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Risen
I've never been this excited about my daily commute โ thank you, audiobooks! Listening to audiobooks has become my guilt-free indulgence, and I love it. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
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