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.
Corny
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Washer
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease.
MindfulMingle
The app is so intuitive. I didn’t even need to read the instructions. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Magenta
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Mr. Lucky
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Short Firecracker
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Clang Glyph
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding.
Don Stab
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Heartbreaker
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Fast Draw
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Miss Twilight
This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. 📚 Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. 📱🎧 I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Vixen
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9Lives
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Dance Bloom
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature!
Minty Devil
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Pepper Mouse
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Bad Bond
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine.
Demand Chopper
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Noise Toy
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. Audiobook heaven! This app's functionality is a dream – simple and efficient. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app!
Black Hole Necromancer
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. This app has completely transformed my daily routine. I can't imagine my commute without it!
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