Material World
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Material World

Ed Conway

The Six Raw Materials That Shape Modern Civilization

★ 3.7 (80 Ratings) ◷ 17 Minutes ☰ 6 Sections ◉ Text + audio
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About this content

Material World (2023) delves into the profound influence of six fundamental materials on the course of human civilization: sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium. You'll explore how these elements have not only built and destroyed empires, but are also crucial to shaping our present existence and future. It's a captivating journey revealing the largely unseen impact of everyday materials on our lives, from ancient times to the digital age.

About the author

Ed Conway is a writer and broadcaster. He currently serves as the economics and data editor for Sky News and contributes as a regular columnist for the Times and the Sunday Times. His expertise led to his authoring the bestselling The Summit: Bretton Woods, 1944: J. M. Keynes and the Reshaping of the Global Economy.

Who might enjoy this content?

  • History enthusiasts intrigued by how materials have impacted civilizations
  • Environmentalists interested in sustainable resource management
  • Technology buffs fascinated by material innovation and usage

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