SKU: 34552520748

Portal: San Francisco's Ferry Building and the Reinvention of American Cities

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Description

Portal: San Francisco's Ferry Building and the Reinvention of American CitiesConceived 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

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.

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SKU: 34552520748

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Mack L.
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable and easy to set up
Color: Black, Color: Black
I’m happy with this chair. It was not hard to assemble, and it feels stable after putting everything together. The mesh back is comfortable and breathable, so it doesn’t feel too hot when sitting for a while. The seat cushion is also thicker than I expected and feels soft enough for daily use. I like the adjustable headrest and the back support, especially for working at a desk. The chair looks simple and clean, and the wheels move smoothly. Good value for a home office chair.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026
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Wen Cortes
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Exactly the Desk Chair I Was Looking For
Color: Black
had been needing a new desk chair for a while, and this one has been a great addition to my workspace. I use it every day while working, and it feels very comfortable, even when sitting for long periods of time. The seat provides good support, and the backrest helps me stay comfortable throughout the day. Assembly was straightforward, and the instructions were easy to follow. I also like how well it fits in my workspace and how nice it looks. So far, I am very happy with the comfort and overall quality. It has definitely made my workdays more enjoyable.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2026
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Turkey
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 4
very ergonomic
Color: Deep Black, Color: Deep Black
I bought this as a replacement for one of those gaming chairs that kills your back with a little lumbar pillow and this one is muuuuch better. the back support is everything you’d need and got rid of my neck pain after long periods of sitting and the seat cushion is supportive but still comfortable. It’s the kind of chair that you don’t really think about much because it’s so natural to sit in that you forget it’s there. The armrests flipping is a really nice feature too. One star off only because the head rest is so far back that i can’t really rest my head on it and every part of the chair that’s cloth is made of the same mesh texture like the armrests and seat. but i have no other complaints this is a good chair
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Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2026
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Elva
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable Ergonomic Chair for Long Workdays
Color: Black, Color: Black
I’ve been using this chair for my home office, and it’s been a great addition to my workspace. The seat cushion is thick and comfortable, even after several hours of sitting, and the mesh back keeps good airflow throughout the day. I especially like the adjustable headrest, which provides extra neck support when leaning back during breaks. Assembly was straightforward, the chair feels sturdy, and the wheels roll smoothly on my floor. The all-black design also gives it a professional look that fits well in any office setup. Overall, it’s a comfortable and affordable ergonomic chair that offers excellent value for the price.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
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Emily Hopman
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 3
Sturdy but uncomfortable
Color: Black
The seat itself is sturdy and easy to put together, I’ve now had the product for 8 months and had no issues wear/tear despite nearly daily use, but… it’s not comfy, at all. The seat cushion has a texture to it that scrapes at my legs if I don’t have an extra pillow on it or am wearing shorts. Additionally, the seat pillow is just kind of hard. It doesn’t give very much at all, so if I sit on it for more than an hour or two at a time my butt starts to get really sore. It works as a budget option, but invest in a good seat pillow if you plan to sit in it for any length of time.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2026

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