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.
Fast Draw
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
JesterZilla
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Spunky Sphinx
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings.
Black Hole Necromancer
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. User-friendly audiobook experience – this app's design is a standout. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Crash Override
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read – this app is always ready. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Star Scratch
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! 🎉 This app is a testament to thoughtful design – its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. 📚✨ The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me!
InfinityInsight
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Intimidation Station
I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧 Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Campfire Mama
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
BuzzBait
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape.
Papa Smurf
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Marine Dre
ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. ListenBook has completely elevated my audiobook experience. It's an integral part of my daily routine. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
ByteBard
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. Binaural audio processing is a godsend. My ears don't fatigue even during extended listening. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Darkside Hooker
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for my study materials. I can easily revisit important sections. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. What a delightful listening experience! The narrator's timing was impeccable, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or let the words flow. Their character voices were distinct yet natural - no over-the-top accents or distracting vocal tics. The audio quality was consistently excellent.
Nueva Nova
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Suicide Jockey
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Lope Lope
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this narrator is now in my top 5. Their timing and inflection were masterful. Never a dull moment in the entire performance.
Helmet Destroyer
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book – so convenient! Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits – it's a game-changer. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Athens Fire
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Queen Ginger
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. 🎙️ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level – audiobooks make it an adventure! 🛒📚 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