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.
Cereal Killer
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New Cycle
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app! The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
NexusNavigator
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent user experience sets a new standard in audiobook apps. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Renegade Slugger
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now β all thanks to this app. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment.
Show Off
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio β it caters to different preferences. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Fuzzy Claws
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Drugstore Cowboy
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VisionVortex
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π
Undergrad Split
π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
LunaStar
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source.
Backstreet
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Hex Panther
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Kingfisher
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! The app never crashes. Itβs reliable and stable. 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!
MicroStar
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts.
Thunder Tank
This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Dove Dolce
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. π Making every moment count β this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ππ« Looping playback is a valuable study tool. It helps me grasp complex content and retain information.
Sky Dahlia
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! ListenBook's compatibility with various formats means I can now enjoy all my favorite audiobooks in one place. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Combo Saw
I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. π₯ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine β this app is my secret weapon! β¨π ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
Metal Star
Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature! Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnβt stop listening.
Voodoo Cyclone
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. Audiobook heaven! This app has revolutionized the way I enjoy stories. Its sleek design and seamless functionality make it a must-have for book lovers. ππ§ The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
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