2.10: Books on Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks
Description
This article is from the Roller Coaster FAQ, by Geoff Allen geoff@eecs.wsu.edu with numerous contributions by others.
2.10: Books on Roller Coasters and Amusement Parks
"GUIDE TO RIDE"
Published by ACE in 1991. Lists the "major" roller coasters located in
North America. Features photos of most rides, and a full description of
each.
Ordering info:
$17.95 US and Canada
$21.95 all other countries
American Coaster Enthusiasts
c/o John Page
6108 Sherman Drive
Woodridge, IL 60517
"THE AMUSEMENT PARK GUIDE"
Written by Tim O'Brien. Lists nearly every amusement park on this
continent! Lists parks alphabetically by state then Canada and Mexico.
Published mid-1991 but includes some rides to open in 1992.
Ordering info:
Cost: $12.95
The Globe Pequot Press
"A Voyager Book"
ISBN 0-87106-300-x
"GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN THEME PARKS"
Published by AAA. Lists selected Amusement and Theme parks. Not all
parks in either category are listed. Parks are listed by region. Lists
all rides and attractions by name including description. Published
Spring 1990. Available in most book stores in the TRAVEL section.
"THE AMERICAN AMUSEMENT PARK INDUSTRY: A History of Technology and "
"Thrill"
Written by Judith A. Adams, this traces the history of amusement parks
from Bartholemew's Fair in 1614 to current. Covers the rise and decline
of trolley parks, offers an in-depth critical look at the Disney Parks,
and covers the current success of theme parks. Often viewed from a
socio-economic perspective, it can be a trifle dry at times, but
contains a lot of historical data.
Twayne's Evolution of Business Series
Twayne Publishers
ISBN 0-8057-9833-6
"THE INCREDIBLE SCREAM MACHINE: A History of the Roller Coaster"
by Robert Cartmell. This book traces the roller-coaster from its origins
in Russia and Paris to America. It discusses the early rides, and how
John Miller revolutionized coasters. It goes on to talk about Traver
and Theme Parks in general. This book is illustrated with many
photographs, including photos of Miller's rides, Traver's twisted (some
might say ``demented'') metal coasters with wooden tracks, and the old
switchback railways.
Bowling Green State University Popular Press
(419) 372-7865
Price: $42.95 (hardback) $25.95 (paperback)
"THE GREAT AMERICAN AMUSEMENT PARKS: A Pictorial History"
by Gary Kyriazi. Published in 1976 by Castle Books. This is an older
book with loads of facts and photos (somewhat dated, of course, but
reportedly worth it if you can find a copy). I don't have any other
info on this book. Feel free to contribute!
"ROLLER COASTERS: an illustrated guide to the rides in the United States and
Canada, with a history"
by Todd H. Throgmorton, published 1993 by McFarland & Co., Jefferson,
NC.
I don't have nay more info about this book, but thanks to Martin I
Lewison (milst1+@pitt.edu) for providing this much.
"Kennywood: Roller Coaster Capital of the World"
by Charles J. Jacques, Jr. (1994) published by Amusement Park Journal,
is available from the publisher (for about $20) at:
Amusement Park Journal
P.O. Box 157
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
"Cedar Point: The Queen of American Watering Places"
by David Francis and Diane Francis (1988) published by Summertime
Publications, P.O. Box 16, Wadsworth, Ohio, 44281. This book is
apparently sold at Cedar Point.
A place to try for ordering some of these books if your local bookstore
doesn't have them or can't get them in, is:
Gunther Hall, Limited
P.O. Box 140
Alton Bay, New Hampshire 03810
(603) 875-2248
Call or write and ask for their list of coaster products. You also might try
bookstores specializing in out of print books and/or used bookstores for
some of the older books mentioned here.
Continue to:
My Books
