Listen to Empire Builder: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego by Dr. Sandra Bonura
Enjoy this audiobook with MP3 Audiobook Player - the ultimate iOS audiobook experience
2021 San Diego Book AwardEmpire Builder is the previously untold story of a pioneer who almost single-handedly transformed the bankrupt village of San Diego into a thriving city. When he first dropped anchor in San Diego Bay on a warm June day in 1887, John Diedrich Spreckels set into motion a series of events that later defined the city. Within just a few years, this son of the German immigrant Claus Spreckels, known as the “Sugar King,” owned and controlled the majority of San Diego’s industry by demanding advanced techniques of building construction, water supply management, and energy production, as well as improvements in transportation—particularly by ship, rail, electric streetcar, and automobile. After successfully building empires in sugar, shipping, and transportation and building development up and down the coast of California and across the Pacific, Spreckels rubbed shoulders with world leaders, bailed out royalty, and even successfully sued the U.S. government twice, all while contributing to numerous educational, charitable, and cultural institutions in San Diego and San Francisco. Despite the fact that Spreckels created and owned much of San Diego’s early twentieth-century infrastructure, his name is unknown to many contemporary San Diegans. Nobody, especially not Spreckels himself, could have foreseen that his empire would be all but forgotten in so short a time. Sandra E. Bonura strives to correct this oversight by providing a behind-the-scenes look into the Spreckels family and its role in business and into the man himself. This deeply researched biography, which includes newly discovered family documents and photos, paints a realistic portrait of cultural, economic, and political aspects of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century California.
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. Auto-rewind feature is very useful. Excellent app!
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits – truly impressive. I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. 🔥 Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger – this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. 📱📖 I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out.
This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits – it's a game-changer. 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook!
I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! I can't get enough of this app's versatile features – from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Plays MP3, MP4, OPUS, OGG, FLAC, AWB, M4B, M4A, WMA, AAC formats
Optimized for iPhone, iPad, and iPod with seamless integration
Adjust playback speed from 0.5x to 3.0x for your listening preference
Import audiobooks via iTunes, cloud services, or direct downloads
Get your favorite audiobooks in supported formats from various sources
Import audiobooks to MP3 Audiobook Player using multiple methods
Control playback from your device, headphones, Apple Watch, or CarPlay
Join thousands of users who enjoy audiobooks with MP3 Audiobook Player daily
Download Now