Book description
Conceived in the Gilded Age, the Ferry Building opened in 1898 as San Francisco's portal to the world--the terminus of the transcontinental railway and a showcase of civic ambition. In silent films and World's Fair postcards, nothing said "San Francisco" more than its soaring clocktower.But as acclaimed architectural critic John King recounts in Portal, the rise of the automobile and double-deck freeways severed the city from its beloved structure and its waterfront--a connection that required generations to restore.King's narrative spans the rise and fall and rebirth of the Ferry Building. Rich with feats of engineering and civic imagination, his story introduces colorful figures who fought to preserve the Ferry Building's character (and the city's soul)--from architect Arthur Page Brown and legendary columnist Herb Caen to poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Senator Dianne Feinstein.In King's hands, the saga of the Ferry Building is a microcosm of a larger evolution along the waterfronts of cities everywhere. Portal traces the damage inflicted on historic neighborhoods and working dockyards by cars, highways, and top-down planning and "urban renewal." But when an earthquake destroyed the Embarcadero Freeway, city residents seized the chance to reclaim their connection to the bay. Transporting readers across 125 years of history, this tour de force explores the tensions impacting urban infrastructure and public spaces, among them tourism, deindustrialization, development, and globalization. Portal culminates with a rich portrait of San Francisco's vibrant esplanade today, visited by millions, even as sea level rise and earthquakes threaten a landmark that remains as vital as ever.A book for city lovers and visitors, architecture fans and pedestrians, Portal is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of San Francisco and the future of American cities.
Marine Dre
ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. Audiobook journey simplified β this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments.
Nola
Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
Sapiens
I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it! ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars! Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
InsightfulInk
Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
King Panther
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable.
Cabbie
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
Pink Hopper
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best.
Little Granger
This app has completely transformed my commute β I look forward to it now! Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Snapple Whistler
With ListenBook, my daily commutes have become a cherished time for learning and enjoyment. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve 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!
Mosquit-No
π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Day Hawk
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze.
California Goddess
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Sweet Bacon
I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has turned my audiobook journey into a delightful habit. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment.
Trash Pocky
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move.
Snow Cream
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it!
Doz Killer
I'm addicted to this app β it's like having a library in my pocket. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically.
BuzzMouse
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ«
Chasm Face
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Killah Goose
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
Spoiler Betty
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection β there's always something new to discover. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session?
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