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.
Pink Nightmare
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Pepper
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ThickSKN
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Skittle Mine
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Osprey
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Nessie Pork
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
Combo Saw
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Tornado Maker
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Pepper Mouse
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Dez North
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MysticMingle
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ByteBard
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DZE
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§ User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Iron Jesus
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive.
Scratch
With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius! ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied.
Hella Fella
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
M8deUp
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. πββοΈπ Running through chapters has never been smoother β the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. πββοΈπ§ Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
StarStrider
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. π±π§
Magenta
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Tweety
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion.
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