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.
Campfire Mama
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
PixelPioneer
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
Gas Man
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Sun Washer
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. 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!
Liquid Death
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
NeoGermal
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule.
ChatterChampion
No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§ ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
ZenaCake
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
FearLeSS
π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ππ The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. 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.
Mud Pie Man
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer.
Toy Town
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content.
Alberta
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized.
Dez North
ποΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm enjoying audiobooks without missing a beat in my day. πΆπ The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
RedMouth
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ
Bazooka Har-de-har
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion.
Old Man Winter
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine β thank you! ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app! The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Lord Pistachio
My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. Iβve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
EchoEmissary
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. ππ I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Undergrad
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Show Off
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
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