The roller coaster came about as a way to have
the excitement of Russian ice slides (traceable to
at least the 1400s) be available in warmer climates.
In fact, in some cultures, coasters are still called
"Russian Mountains". The first wheeled versions appeared
in Europe in the late 1700s. Modern renditions arrived in Canada
and The United States by the mid 1880s, with many refinements after that.
These books deal primarily with the roller coaster, it's
designers, and builders. Here too, you will find guides
to these rides in various countries, areas, or parks.
Be aware that books in other sections may have parts devoted
to roller coasters, so be sure to look there, as well.
Books Table of Contents.
THE FOLLOWING MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED
WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR ©
________
ALABAMA ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
ALASKA ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $19.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
ALASKA ROLLERCOASTERS! (1994)
"The Ups & Downs of Our State's Most
Popular Amusement Ride"
By Carole Marsh. (Apparently an expansion of the above.)
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $34.90 (U.S. Funds)
________
THE AMERICAN ROLLER COASTER (1999)
By Scott Rutherford. This traces the American roller coaster
from the 1880s up to the present day, with time out for a
mechanical lesson. *(This is a GREAT BOOK! Scott takes the
reader on a ride from the early beginnings all the way through
to modern magnetically-launched marvels, including concept
drawings for "Son of Beast", "Lightning Racer" and "Thrust
Air". This is the first coaster book I've read that wasn't
riddled with small annoying errors. The writing is complete,
yet concise. I especially enjoy the special feature writings
hat supplement the major text. Discussions about such things
racing coasters, coaster "mutants" ("Virginia Reels"), "Mad
Mice", and more are enjoyable reading as sidelines that are
included to really try to explain the roller coaster in
onderful detail. But the thing that blew me away were the
pictures. Tons and tons of pictures of lots of obscure
coasters from the past. Every shape, model and style of
coaster is illustrated, with lots of side-bar features
supplementing the main text.
THE AMERICAN ROLLER COASTER (Continued)
Excellent pictures and packed with history & information,
this is a definite keeper, up there with Cartmell's book.
(Thanks to Robert Ulrich of Marietta, Georgia, U.S.A. for
the review.)
Published By:
MBI Publishing
Osceola, Wisconsin
ISBN: 0-7603-0689-3
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
AMERICA'S TOP ROLLER COASTERS AND AMUSEMENT PARKS (2009)
By Pete Trabucco. This book profiles the top coasters in The
United States and includes articles on overcoming the fear of
riding. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published by:
Tate Publishing
ISBN:
Price:
America's Top Roller Coasters
Pete Trabucco E-Mail
________
ARE YOU CHICKEN? A COWARD'S GUIDE TO ROLLER COASTERS (1997)
By Robert Reynolds. The book is designed as a way for the
coaster enthusiast to demonstrate to their friends and
loved ones that they are not entirely crazy; that roller
coasters have beauty and grace along with enviable safety
records. Discusses many manufacturers and coaster types.
*(This is a quality presentation with plenty of colour
photographs along with the loopy illustrations of Ray
Nadeau.)
Published By:
Northern Lights Publishing
10214 Trailwood Circle
Jupiter, Florida 33478, U.S.A.
ISBN: 0-9657353-3-8
Price: $9.95 (U.S. Funds)
Order Directly From -Northern Lights Publishing
________
ARIZONA ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $19.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
ARKANSAS ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $19.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
BIG, FAST RIDES (2006)
By Alison Hawes. A children's book that discusses fun facts
about coasters, how they started, how they were constructed,
and where the largest and fastest can be found.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
________
BRITAIN'S GREATEST COASTERS (1996)
By A. Preston. Reviews and facts on 22 of UK's coasters along
with another 18 from Europe. It begins with a timeline of
coaster history and discusses some specific rides such as
"Big Dipper", "The Big One", "Grand National" "Nemesis",
"Shockwave", "Ultimate", "Vampire", and others. Coaster
manufacturers and terminology are included.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $21.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
CALIFORNIA ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
THE COASTER ENTHUSIASTS GUIDE TO CEDAR POINT (1978)
By (No Author Credited). *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Cedar Point Marketing
ISBN:
Price:
________
THE COASTERS OF THE PHILADELPHIA TOBOGGAN COMPANY (1984)
By Charlie Jacques. This book is actually Volume 6, No. 1 of
the Amusement Park Journal, and contains a wealth of
information and pictures. Each coaster built or modified by
them from 1904 through 1976 is listed with years and
specifications. *(It is a well-researched and well-documented
look at PTC and its roller coasters, which were apparently
the company's "cash cow". Another meticulous research job by
Mr. Jacques, with good text and good photos of many PTC
coasters being constructed and operated.) Book review by Seth
Briliant of Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Published By:
Amusement Park Journal
P.O. Box 478
Jefferson, OH 44047-0478
U.S.A
ISBN: Price: $7.50 (U.S. Funds)
________
CONNECTICUT ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $19.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
COLORADO ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
DELAWARE ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
FLORIDA ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $19.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
FLYING TURNS (1989)
"The New Aviation Ride"
By Charlie Jacques. This 36-page publication has over 40
photos and tells the story of Norman Bartlett's "Flying Turns"
rides from his first 1929 prototype to the last unit built at
Steeplechase Park in Coney Island, New York.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $8.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
GEORGIA ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
THE GIANT DIPPER: A PICTORIAL HISTORY (1991)
By Eric Young. Details the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk coaster
built by Prior and Church in 1925, and the 1990s restoration.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Amusement Park Publications
Box 927471
San Diego, California
U.S.A. 92129
ISBN: 0963179098
Price: $12.99
________
THE GOLDEN AGE OF ROLLER COASTERS (2003)
By David W. and Diane DeMali Francis. Discusses the rides and
designers prevalent in the early 20th century and how they
broke new ground. Features 200+ postcards of the era.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Arcadia Publishing
* skeller@arcadiapublishing.com
ISBN:
Price:
________
GUIDE TO RIDE (1991, 1995, 2000)
This directory now includes up to all the 2000 models and has
small coasters such as the kiddies, juniors, Galaxies, Wild
Mice, and Flitzers. It dedicates five and a half pages to the
coasters of Canada with a complete coaster listing (including
specifications) and over 500 photographs. *(Recommended. All
the articles are well written and form a great primer on
learning the whole culture centered around the roller
coaster. In addition, unlike the original where the articles
were unillustrated white pages, the designers sprinkled
tonnes of good photographs throughout such that the article
section reads like a top quality, glossy magazine. One of the
main reasons to buy this book is the treasure trove of colour
photographs. They're worth the price of admission all by
themselves. This is fine as both a coffee table book, as well
as a handbook for trip planning, and a must-have for
everybody.) Thanks to David Bowers of Cincinnati, Ohio for
submitting this review.
GUIDE TO RIDE
(Continued)
Published by:
American Coaster Enthusiasts
U.S.A.
ISBN: 0-9703987-0-0
Price: $19.95 (US Funds)
Order from:
ACE Guide To Ride
________
HARRY C. BAKER, INC. CATALOG (19 )
This is a reprint of a mid 1920s 36-page catalog put out by
Harry Baker and a four-page brochure circulated by the
company around 1930. There are pictures of Baker rides which
included coasters and old mills, plus buildings for carousels
and dancing. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $5.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
HARRY G. TRAVER: (1982)
"Legends of Terror"
By Richard Munch. This is the one! The famous coaster designer
of the 1920s - 40s is profiled here from his
turn-of-the-century flat rides to his coaster creations that
struck terror in many and excitement in others. Traver's work
is well documented through company catalogs, photos, clippings,
trade advertisements, and diagrams. *(Recommended. Although the
original photo quality is not the best, the book reproduction
work is good. The Crystal Beach Cyclone is well profiled here
with many pictures, a description, and a layout diagram.)
Published by:
Amusement Park Books ISBN: 0-935408-02-9
20925 Mastic Road
Fairview Park, Ohio 44126 Price: $14.95 (U.S. Funds)
U.S.A.
________
HAWAII ROLLERCOASTERS! (1994)
"The Ups & Downs of Our State's Most
Popular Amusement Ride"
By Carole Marsh. (No information.)
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $19.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
HERBERT P. SCHMECK: (2006)
"The Forgotten Legacy"
By Torrence Jenkins. Details the life of coaster designer
Herb. Schmeck. Includes information and blueprints for some
of his designs. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published by:
Knepper Press
1120 Robb Hill Road
Oakdale, Pennsylvania
U.S.A. 15071-9106
ISBN: 978-0-9703987-1-0
Price:
________
IDAHO ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
ILLINOIS ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
THE INCREDIBLE SCREAM MACHINE: (1987)
"A History of the Roller Coaster"
By Robert Cartmell. This book traces roller coasters from
Russia and France to The United States. With over 350
pictures and many specifications it discusses designers John
Miller and Harry Traver at length, and the rise of the Theme
Park. *(Highly Recommended. Excellent pictures and in-depth
discussions on a variety of topics. If you only have one
coaster book in your library this should be it!)
Published by:
Bowling Green State University Popular Press
Bowling Green, Ohio 43403
U.S.A.
(419) 372-7865
ISBN: 0-987972-342-1
Price: $42.95 (hardback) $29.95 (paperback) (U.S. Funds)
________
INDIANA ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
IOWA ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
MALL COASTER INQUIRY (1987)
This is a report to the Alberta, Canada government regarding
the accident that claimed 3 lives on The "Mindbender" roller
coaster at West Edmonton Mall in June of 1986. * (This is only
recommended for those very-in-depth coaster buffs who just HAVE
to know everything. Being a report, it's slow going, very
detailed and very dry. However, the story behind this incident
is a fascinating tale of a series of events at the German
factories that included deceit, bribery, negligence,
embezzlement, bankruptcy, and suicide. These events and others
conspired to produce the circumstances which led to the failure
of one of the coaster's cars, and although not directly
involved in those events, the result was the tarnishing of a
respected name in coaster design and manufacturing. )
MALL COASTER INQUIRY (1987) (Continued)
Published for:
The Alberta Government Labour Department
Available From: Alberta Labour
Information Services
10808 - 99 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5K 0G5
FAX: (403) 422-5070
Price: $50.00 (Cdn. Funds)
This report is available once again at the above price. For
those who find it expensive, try your local law university's library.
________
MILLER & BAKER CATALOG (19 )
This is a reprint of their 1923 Catalog. It contains 80 pages
of roller coasters, fun house gags, old mills, and buildings
designed to house attractions. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $10.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
MINNESOTA ROLLER COASTERS (1992)
"The Ups and Downs of Our State's
Most Popular Amusement Rides"
By Carole Marsh. No further details. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Gallopade Publishing Group
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
ISBN: 0793352932
________
OHIO ROLLER COASTERS! (1992)
"The Ups & Downs of Our State's
Most Popular Amusement Rides"
By Carole Marsh. No further details. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Gallopade Publishing Group
Price: $19.95 (U.S. Funds)
ISBN: 0793353297
________
PTC AMUSEMENT CATALOG (19 )
This is a reprint of the 1929, 36-page catalog given out by
the company. It features photographs of many of the best PTC
built coasters including the Coney Island (Cincinnati)
"Wildcat", the Woodside "Wildcat", the "Zip" at White City in
Massachusetts, plus many others. Beside the 23 coasters
photographs, also shown are carousels, carousel buildings,
and old mills. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $6.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
ROLLER COASTER (1977) (Fictional Book)
"The High Road to Terror"
By Burton Wohl. This is fictional work is derived from the
motion picture "Roller Coaster". Fiction is not normally
included in these listings, but given the popularity of the
movie among coaster buffs, it was decided to include it. The
blurb reads: High above the crowded amusement park, the
rollercoaster climbs towards its summit. Soon the cars will
begin their gut-wrenching plunge. Down below, Eddie Parnassus
presses the button on a remote control detonator... Seconds
later, the revellers' squeals of excitement turn to screams
of terror as the coaster hurtles off into a void where death
and mutilation wait. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
________
ROLLER COASTER (2001)
"A Thrill Seekers Guide to the Ultimate Scream Machines"
By Robert Coker. This book contains a coaster history lesson,
then gives ride statistics & reviews of today's popular
coasters. Many photos. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Michael Publishing Group
ISBN:
Price: $19.98 (U.S. Funds)
________
ROLLER COASTER CENSUS (1997)
This census lists all of the roller coasters from around the
world. It includes coaster type, manufacturer, year opened,
park and statistics. (This is updated frequently.)
*(Not reviewed.)
Published By:
American Coaster Enthusiasts
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price: $10. (U.S. Funds)
Order From:
info@aceonline.org
________
ROLLER COASTER FEVER (1979)
By Richard Munch, Jon-Michael Reed, and John Waldrop.
Discusses roller coaster types in Canada and The U.S., with
statistics. It lists coasters in danger of destruction, as
well as those lost to history. Also gives riding tips from
experts and shows their top 15 picks. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Starlog Press
New York, New York
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
________
ROLLER COASTER GIANTS (2006)
By Frank Romijn. Over 150 colour pages describe history,
technical, design and building, and includes major designers.
Has a coaster index and terms glossary. Includes "Booster
Bike", "Kanonen", "Kingda Ka", "Stealth", "Rita: Queen of
Speed", "Top Thrill Dragster", "Thunder Dolphin", "White
Cyclone" and more. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
________
THE ROLLER COASTER LOVER'S COMPANION (1997) (2002)
By Steven J. Urbanowicz. This guidebook for roller coaster
fans is written by a man who has taken rides on nearly 400
coasters. It features a two-part rating system for every
major one in the world - based on both the ride's quality and
its physical nature. Also included are "best of" lists, such
as the Top 10 Wood and Top 10 Steel Coasters. Includes
special features on coaster trips - mini-vacations to see
great coasters in specific regions, and amazing "Roller
Coaster Facts" sprinkled throughout the book. *(Recommended.
Although there are some errors and you may not agree with
Steven's ratings, this is an excellent starter reference book.
The checklist of all the world's major coasters is a plus as
you may mark the ones you've ridden and plan to visit those
you haven't. The coasters are cross-categorized so you can
pick those that suit your tastes pretty easily. The book's
size (18 X 25cm) means it could easily be taken with you on
vacation.) A 2002 update is available.
THE ROLLER COASTER LOVER'S COMPANION (Continued)
Published By:
Carol Publishing Group
U.S.A.
(201) 866-0490
ISBN: ISBN 0-8065-1924-X
Price: $19.95 (Cdn. Funds)
-Roller Coaster Lover's Companion OnLine
________
ROLLER COASTERS (199?)
By Kevin O'Malley. This is a children's book on the title
subject. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published by:
Unknown
ISBN: Unknown
Price: Unknown
________
ROLLER COASTERS (1995)
By Gil Chandler. This publication features in-depth
descriptions of many modern coasters of recent construction
with pictures on about every second page. Definitions are
given throughout the text. *(Recommended. Although the book
is in a small format, short [48 pages with index], and there
are some text errors, printing and picture reproduction are
excellent quality - all pictures are in colour.)
Published by: Price: $19.00 (U.S. Funds)
Capstone Press
2440 Fernbrook Lane
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55447 ISBN: 1-56065-221-7
U.S.A.
Note that two other books under the same title and author show
ISBNs of 1-51640-221-8 and 1-56065-221-7 with U.S. prices of $5.95
and $19.00. The above may be an update of these.
________
ROLLER COASTERS (1998)
By Mike Schafer and Scott Rutherford. Part of the "Enthusiast
Color Series" of books, this is an abbreviated, 96-page,
85-photo guidebook geared toward roller coaster enthusiasts
in general. The authors' viewpoints on the coasters are
given, along with a condensed history of the ride itself. It
then goes on to list and briefly describe the major thrillers
operating in The United States. *(Recommended. Despite some
minor errors, this is a good overview of U.S. coasters,
especially for the price. The photo quality and reproduction
are excellent.)
Published By:
Andover Junction Publications ISBN: 0-7603-0506-4
MBI Publishing Company Price: $15.95 (Canadian Funds)
729 Prospect Avenue
Osceola, Wisconsin 54020-0001
(800) 826-6600
________
ROLLER COASTERS: (1994)
"An Illustrated Guide to the Rides in The United States and Canada."
By Todd H. Throgmorton. Contains photos, drawings, and
blueprints. A 2000 update is available - see farther on.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published by:
MBI Publishing Company
729 Prospect Avenue
Osceola, Wisconsin 54020-0001
(800) 826-6600
ISBN: 087938929X
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
ROLLER COASTERS (CRUISIN) (1995)
By Gil Chandler, Tom Maglione and Paul L. Ruben. A short book
aimed at young adults. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Capstone Press
2440 Fernbrook Lane
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55447
U.S.A.
ISBN: 1560652217
Price: $21.26 (U.S. Funds)
________
ROLLER COASTERS, FLUMES, AND FLYING SAUCERS (1998)
By Robert Reynolds. This publication chronicles the
development of the modern amusement park ride via the
biography of Ed Morgan and Karl Bacon. Founders of Arrow
Development, Ed and Karl are the inventors behind many of the
world's most popular amusement rides. This is the story of
their journey, in their own words, from a poor machine shop to
a company creating attractions throughout the world. 80 photos.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published by:
Northern Lights Publishing
10214 Trailwood Circle
Jupiter, Florida
U.S.A. 33478
-N.L. Publishing
ISBN: 0-96573-535-4
Price: $19.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
ROLLER COASTERS OF AMERICA (19??)
*(No Further Information.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
________
ROLLER COASTERS: OR I HAD SO MUCH FUN, I ALMOST PUKED! (1997)
By Nick Cook. This book gives a short history of roller
coasters and then discusses how coasters work. Examples of
each type of coaster are given. 72 photos. *(This book is
aimed at a younger audience. It has some errors, some of the
text does not match the accompanying photos, and many
coasters are not identified. However, the photo quality is
excellent.)
Published By:
Lerner Publishing Group
241 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, Minnesota
U.S.A. 55401
-Lerner Books
ISBN: 1575050714
Price: $21.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
ROLLER COASTERS: SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL! (1996)
By Robert Preedy. This is the follow-up to "Roller Coasters:
Their Amazing History" by the same author. It discusses
Thompson's influence In the UK and locations such as Aberdeen,
Barry Island, Belle Vue, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Great
Yarmouth, Huddersfield, Isle of Man, Manchester, Morecambe,
Shipley Glen and Southend-On-Sea. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
________
ROLLER COASTERS: THEIR AMAZING HISTORY (1992)
By Robert Preedy. This details the development of United
Kingdom coasters and amusement parks. Included are
exhibitions and these parks: Barry Island, Blackpool Pleasure
Beach, Clacton & South Shields, Lot Morgan, Great Yarmouth,
Manchester, Margate, Morecambe, Skegness, Southend-On-Sea and
others. Includes a "Facts" section and siscussion of roller
coaster types. *(Not Reviewed.)
See also the sequel: Roller Coasters: Shake, Rattle, and Roll!
Published By:
R.E. Preedy
ISBN:
Price: 6.99 (U.K. Funds)
________
ROLLER COASTERS: UNITED STATES AND CANADA (2000)
By Todd Throgmorton. An update to Todd's 1994 book. Has over
250 photos. Includes designers, facts, history, and
statistics. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Macfarland & Company
Jefferson, North carolina
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price: $39.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
ROLLER COASTER (1998)
"Wooden and Steel Coasters, Twisters, and Corkscrews"
By David Bennett. This large-format, 192-page book gives a
history of the roller coaster, profiles the best designers
like Miller, Schwarzkopf, Traver, etc., then goes on to
discuss the mechanics of the ride. An entire chapter is
devoted to the top coasters. Also included are the top parks
in each country, and coaster records. *(This book has loads
of factual and other errors in the text but is recommended
for its excellent photographs (250) and reproduction of
those photos. Some of the night photography is fabulous.)
Published By:
Chartwell Books.
Edison New Jersey
U.S.A. 08837
ISBN: 0-7858-0885-X
Price: $19.99 (U.S. Funds)
________
SCREAM MACHINES (1986)
By (Author Unknown). No further details. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Walker & Company
ISBN: 0802766196
Price:
________
SCREAM MACHINES (1986)
"Roller Coasters Past, Present, and Future"
By Herma Silverstein. Has coaster origins, history, and revival
in popularity through theme parks. Includes a partial list of
America's roller coasters by state. * (This is a pretty good
look at roller coasters with quite a few pictures, but the
reproduction is high contrast with some loss of detail. The
coaster list has errors and leaves out many greats that existed
when the book was written.)
Published by:
John Wiley & Sons Limited
Rexdale, Ontario
Canada
ISBN: 0-8027-6618-8 Price: $19.95
(Approximate Cdn. Funds)
________
THE STORY OF AUSTRALIAN ROLLER COASTERS (2010)
"126 Years of Madness, Sadness & Scintillating Thrills"
By Edwin Dickinson. A look at the history of Roller Coasters down
under prior to the 21st century. Includes Scenic Railways, the
story of Edmund Anscombe who saved the 1925 Dunedin South Seas
Exhibition in New Zealand from disaster, the controversial Big
Dippers, an interview with Australia's Only Roller Coaster
Designer Phil Hammond, and more. The book features Pictures
gathered from Australia, New Zealand and United States. A
Comprehensive timeline including most of Australian and New
Zealand Coasters, a glossary, and light hearted Roller Coaster
Reviews round out this book. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN: E-Book: 978-0-9871096-0-6
Hard Cover Printed Version: 978-0-9871096-1-3
Price:
________
TEXAS ROLLERCOASTERS (1994)
By Carole Marsh. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $29.95 (U.S. Funds)
________
THE VIENNA GIANT FERRIS WHEEL (1989)
By Helmut Jahn & Peter Petritsch. Details the Prater's century+
old ferris wheel. Discusses the construction and history up to
the present day. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Price:
ISBN:
________
WASHINGTON ROLLER COASTERS ( ? )
"The Ups & Downs of Our State's
Most Popular Amusement Rides"
By Carole Marsh. No further details. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Gallopade Publishing Group
Price: $19.95 (U.S. Funds)
ISBN: 0793353661
________
WILD MOUSE (1999)
By Derek McCormack and Chris Chambers. This book is one that
would not ordinarily be shown here, as fictional books are
not part of the CEC book lists. It contains short stories set
during The Depression and poems set from 1972 through 1997 which
revisit carnivals, sites of childhood fantasies, adolescent
longings and adult nostalgia. It's included here because there
are 18 rare Canadian National Exhibition archival photographs
included. *(Not Reviewed.) Book suggested by Victor Canfield of
Hershey, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Published By:
Pedlar Press
Station P
Box 26
Toronto, ON
M5S 2S6
ISBN: 0-968I884-4-3
Price:
WHITE KNUCKLE RIDE (1996)
By Mark Wyatt. This large format (26 X 29cm) book features
mainly pictures of some of the world's best coasters with
sections devoted to individual country's rides. Also included
are other rides like The "Waikiki Wave", Free Fall's, and
Flume Rides. There is a brief history of the roller coaster,
and park listings for those that had rides featured in the
book. *(Recommended. An excellent book with high quality photo
reproduction regarding colour and resolution. Most of your
favourites are likely to be here, with each coaster profiled
by pictures and a specification table. Only detriments are the
lack of an index and non-use of world (metric) measurements -
unusual for such a modern, internationally-sold book to be
still using old-style measurements.)
Published by: Price: $20 (Cdn. Funds)
Salamander Books
129-137 York Way
London, England ISBN: 0-517-15945-7
________
THE WORLD'S WILDEST ROLLER COASTERS (2001)
By Michael Burgan. This short book, aimed at a junior
readership, is part of the "Built for Speed" series. It gives
in brief, the history, design, types, and future of roller
coasters. Features The "Beast", "Big One", "Superman the
Escape", and "Volcano". An index and short glossary are
included. 22 photos. *(This book will likely not be
appreciated by coaster buffs, despite the good picture
quality. The writing style is one of multiple short sentences
with not not enough detail; there are errors and
mis-conceptions, and one photo is reversed.)
Published By:
Capstone Press
151 Good Counsel Drive
Mankato, Minnesota
U.S.A. 56002
-Capstone Press
ISBN: 0-7368-0571-0 Price: $21.95 (U.S. Funds)
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