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.
Moon Radar
CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
Shadow Gal
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Mercury Reborn
Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically.
Murmur
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! This app has brought back the joy of reading, even when I'm on the move. I’m 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!
Paris Boost
With this app, I've found a way to turn every moment into an opportunity for learning and enrichment. Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. 📚✨ Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
Snowflake Pixie
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch.
Landfill Max
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Runway Darling
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. 🌟 Reading has never been this easy – this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. 📚💫 ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Indestructible Potato
Audiobooks on this app have made studying and learning a more enjoyable process. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. 📚💫
Suicide Crusher
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable.
Sky
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Trash Pocky
ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently.
Reno Monarch
The ability to download audio from network devices directly within ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
Dallas Foxface
With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
ThoughtTracer
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great!
VileHero
This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer. The app's support for multiple formats is flawless. Very satisfied. 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!
Call Back Queen
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. 🚶♀️📖 Walking my way through exciting narratives – this app makes exercise more fun! 🏞️🎧 The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Troublemasher
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. 🎉📚 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.
3P-own
User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. 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!
Wildcat Talent
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes – options galore to suit everyone's preferences. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
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