Material World

In Material World by Ed Conway, readers are taken on an eye-opening journey across the globe to explore the indispensable materials that have shaped human progress. From the ancient times to the contemporary era, the book delves into the profound impact of six essential substances — sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium. These unassuming materials are the backbone of our modern civilisation, influencing everything from infrastructure to technology, and will continue to play a pivotal role in our future. Shortlisted for the Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year Award and longlisted for the Wainwright Conservation Writing Prize, Material World draws high praise and critical acclaim. It has been selected as a Book of the Year by The Times, Financial Times, Economist, and New Statesman, and honoured as a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week.

“A compelling narrative of the human story” – Tim Marshall, author of Prisoners of Geography

“Lively, rich and exciting... full of surprises” – Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads

Through gripping storytelling and meticulous research, Conway takes readers from the sweltering depths of Europe's deepest mines to the pristine environments of silicon chip factories in Taiwan. He reveals the hidden marvels of these materials, their intricate extraction processes, and the lesser-known companies that transform these raw elements into products of extraordinary complexity. Along this journey, readers will learn about the countless ways these substances underpin our daily lives and the technological advances we often take for granted.

In an era marked by climate change, energy crises, and geopolitical tensions, Material World underscores the critical importance of these six materials. Conway examines how the quest to control these resources will shape our geopolitical landscape and influence global power dynamics. His narrative offers a fresh perspective on the story of civilisation, highlighting human ambition, innovation, and the endless pursuit of progress — all from a ground-up view.

Material World is a must-read for enthusiasts of history, technology, and geopolitics. Fans of Tim Marshall, Lewis Dartnell, Jared Diamond, and Yuval Harari will find this book particularly compelling, as Conway brilliantly weaves together past and present, providing valuable insights into the substances that continue to build and transform our world.