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.
Orange Teflon
Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Little Granger
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WordWanderer
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RealmRanger
Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
X-Dew
π This app has ignited my passion for reading β I can't get enough of its convenience! ππ₯ ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Saber-RED
Download options are plenty β I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. Iβve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers! This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
The China Wall
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BuffFreak
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Snout Pixie
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
Lava Nibbler
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver. With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Fresh Peper
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PP Dubs
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
Tokyo Dream
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Kabuki
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. 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
ThoughtTracer
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
21st Street
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Frosty
Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ±
FRMhndshk
With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
Rink Ruler
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a great way to connect over stories. 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.
Clover Rabbit
The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
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