[BOOK 161] SCOTT RUTHERFORD: THE AMERICAN ROLLER COASTER. [2000] (26x26cm - 160 Pages – Many colour photos). A must see and must read publication for the serious coaster lover. Try to remember your first coaster experience. Was it in the 1940s when rattling wooden coasters were hotter than the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra? Maybe it was in the 1970s when steel corkscrews assaulted hairstyles that were questionable to begin with. Whenever it was, millions of coaster fans, young and old, fondly recall their first lump-in-the-throat ride… Chapter Points: Foreword; Introduction; Humble Beginning 1880s-1920; The Golden Years 1920-1940; Nuts and Bolts – How Coasters Work; Postwar Coastering 1945-1972; The Coaster Renaissance; New Age Coastering – Now and Beyond. (Reprinted in 2003. Both editions are available). ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Excellent / Recommended.
	[BOOK 162] EEVA-KAARINA HOLOPAINEN AND LASTEN PÄIVÄN SÄÄTIÖ: LINNANMÄKI 50. [2000] (21x26cm - 120 Pages - Many colour photos). A photographic publication celebrating 50-years of Linnanmäki (Helsinki, Finland). See the park in its early days 1949/1950, and how it has developed over the decades to the visitor attraction it is today. Documents the many rides and attractions past and present, including: the games and stalls, shows, theatre, music and concerts, roller coasters and ghost trains, raging rapids rides and the auto speedway among others. Also see famous visitors and guests enjoying the popular events. The publication ends with a chronological timeline, a celebration of Linnanmäki from 1950-1999. (Written in Finnish with English captions). ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 163] AMERICAN COASTER ENTHUSIASTS: GUIDE TO RIDE 2000. (21x27cm - 112 Pages - Many colour photos) A Guidebook to the Roller Coasters of North America. Including the most comprehensive roller coaster directory ever assembled featuring statistics on heights, track lengths, builders, designers and ride descriptions. Full color with over 500 photographs and listings for over 500 coasters. Chapter Points: Introduction; Potential Energy; Types of Coasters; A Century of Wooden Coaster Designers; Coasting Through History; Where Do They All Come From?; Is It a Coaster or Isn't It?; Preservation; The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives; ACE Coaster Classics. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good.
	[BOOK 164] TODD H. THROGMORTON: ROLLER COASTERS. [2000] (18x26cm - 304 Pages - Many B&W photos). From the wildest white-knuckle racer to the tamest kiddie ride, rollercoasters are the thrill choice for amusement-seekers of all ages. Includes a state by state listing of amusement and theme parks includes addresses, as well as numerous photographs of the rides that make children laugh and grown men cry. Full of interesting information to delight any thrill seeker with a need for speed. Chapter Points: Rollercoaster History / Ice Slides; Rollercoasters in the United States; Rollercoasters in Canada; Famous Designers; The Longest Rollercoasters in North America; Number of Coasters per State and Province; Chronology of Wooden Coasters Still in Operation; Interesting Coaster Facts. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 165] MARTIN & LAURA KANE: GREETINGS FROM BERTRAND ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK. [2000] (16x23cm - 128 Pages - Many B&W photos, some colour). Although Bertrand Island Park closed in 1983, there is no place in northwestern New Jersey that is more fondly remembered. For some seventy years, the park thrilled youngsters and adults alike. Generations of school groups, church outings, company picnics, and residents throughout the region delighted in the wooden roller coaster, the magical carousel, and the scores of other rides and games. Chapter Points: The Mountain Lake Paradise; “Clang Clang Clang” Went the Trolley; A Dream Becomes Reality; A Bona Fide Amusement Park; Go Where the Crowd Goes; Never a Dull Moment; There She Is; Change Is in the Air. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair / Good.
	[BOOK 166] DEREK GEE & RALPH LOPEZ: LAUGH YOUR TROUBLES AWAY, THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF RIVERVIEW PARK. [2000] (21x27cm - 166 Pages - Many B&W photos, diagrams and maps). A product of years of research by Derek Gee and the personal experiences of Ralph Lopez, who worked at the park for 11 years, make this the most comprehensive and factual history of Riverview (Chicago, Illinois) available today. Traces the development of the park as seen through postcards, vintage ads, and photographs taken by the park. Chapter Points: Acknowledgments; Before Riverview; Riverview is Born; Expansion!; Riverview Exposition Park; Thieves In the Park; Goodbye Riverview Exposition, Hello Riverview Park!; The War Years; The Roaring Twenties; The Depression Years; Post-War Riverview; The Turbulent Sixties; Appendix. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Excellent / Recommended.
	[BOOK 167] CELESTE BAINE: THE FANTASTICAL ENGINEER, A THRILLSEEKER’S GUIDE TO CAREERS IN THEME PARK ENGINEERING. [2000] (13x21cm - 138 Pages). This book is your perfect reference for engineering in the entertainment industry. It is a source of compiled information to help you search for glamour jobs in engineering. It is about applying a foundation of engineering knowledge and study, adding a creative spin, and landing a dream job. Chapter Points: Thrillrides for the 21st Century; Theme Park Design; Merging Art and Science; Create a Compelling Story; Preparing For Your Career; Roller Coaster Design; The Future of Themed Entertainment Design; What Do I Do Now? (Useful Contacts / Addresses). ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Recommended.
	[BOOK 168] WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS: WALT DISNEY WORLD, A PICTORIAL SOUVENIR. [2000] (22x23cm – 102 Pages – colour photos throughout). Come take a magical journey through the fabulous Walt Disney World Resort, the most visited resort destination in the world. Encompassing 47 square miles the world-class Vacation Kingdom offers four diverse theme parks, three water adventure parks, 24 resort hotels, a flourishing entertainment-shopping-dining spot, an exciting sports complex, and 99 holes of golf on six courses… it’s a place where memories that last a lifetime are made. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair / Good.
	[BOOK 169] RICHARD COOK & DEBORAH LANGE: GLEN ECHO PARK - A STORY OF SURVIVAL. [2000] (15x23cm – 116 Pages - Many B&W photos). Glen Echo and its amusement park, (Montgomery County, Maryland) has risen from the ashes so many times during its turbulent career that one loses count. The story of its survival is the story of community Davids negotiating with government and business Goliaths, the story of what can be done when a group of people believe in an idea so strongly that they put their lives on hold and pour their energies into the pursuit of their dream. Selected Chapter Points: Glen Echo Park is Named; Glen Echo Thrives; The Dentzel Carousel and Coaster Dips Arrive; Disneyland Threatens the Park’s Future; The Amusement Park Closes; Local Residents Save the Carousel; Glen Echo Today. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 170] VINCENT SEYFRIED & WILLIAM ASADORIAN: OLD ROCKAWAY, NEW YORK IN EARLY PHOTOGRAPHS. [2000] (22x30cm – 116 Pages – Many B&W photos). This publication recaptures the lively summer vacation spot with vintage photographs of grand hotels, carousels, dance halls, roller coasters: (Thompson’s Scenic Railway, Wolz’s Thriller and the Atom Smasher) and other tourist attractions. It’s an evocative look at a bygone era and cultural phenomenon. Chapter Points: Introduction – An Historical Overview; Far Rockaway; Edgemere; Arverne; Rockaway Beach; Rockaway Park and the Western Section. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair / Good.
	[BOOK 171] ROGER A. DEEM: A CENTURY OF BIG ELI WHEELS. [2000] (21x28cm - 36 Pages - Many B&W photos). As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Columbian Exposition, it seems appropriate for Eli Bridge Company to publish some facts, as we know them, about Mr. George Washington Gale Ferris and his wonderful Wheel; and how his idea had been perpetuated by William E. Sullivan (creator of the Big Eli Wheel) born two years after Ferris’s birth, who never met Mr. Ferris, but who made “Ferris Wheels” a permanent fixture on the midways of America. This is the history of America’s number one amusement ride, the story of the Eli Bridge Company, builder of dependable Big Eli products since 1900. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair.
	[BOOK 172] STAN KUJAWA: ELECTRIC PARK SUMMER RESORT & AMUSEMENT PARK 1905-1920. [2000] (22x29cm - 140 Pages - Many B&W photos, few colour postcards). "Electric Park" was a common name for amusement parks owned and operated by streetcar companies and electric power companies. Catch the trolley to see Electric Park (Fort Smith, Arkansas) under construction. Later, visit the gardens with their trimmed hedges and colourful flowers. Relax in the Casino, listen to the music emanating from the ornate bandstand, delight to the thrills of the Roller Coaster and take a ride on the electric merry-go-round. Chapter Points: Notes; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Map of Electric Park Property and Buildings; Colour Postcards; Fort Smith Trolley Museum; Timeline of Electric Park; Index. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair.
	[BOOK 173] PATRICIA FILER: ALL ABOARD FOR LUNA PARK. [2000] (18x22cm - 48 Pages - Many B&W photos). Between 1907 and 1913, visitors were drawn to Luna Park in West Seattle. This "Coney Island of the West" featured a marvellous carrousel, a Shoot the Chutes water slide, the Great Figure 8 roller coaster, a saltwater Natatorium, games of chance, exciting sideshow events, and a variety of shows and concerts. Visitors would come from Seattle by ferry or trolley and spend a day enjoying the Park and beach. Come with us now and visit Luna Park in her heyday... All Aboard! ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 174] C. CRAIG MORRIS: AMUSEMENT RIDE-RELATED INJURIES AND DEATHS IN THE UNITED STATES 1987-1999. [2000] (22x28cm - 36 Pages). This report describes U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data on amusement park-related fatalities and hospital emergency room-treated injuries. Fatality data are presented for calendar years 1987-1999. Injury data are presented for calendar years 1983-1999. Hazard scenario data derived from in-depth investigations and incident reports are presented for the period from 1 Jan 1990 through 30 April 2000. Table of Contents: Executive Summary; Introduction and Definition of Amusement Rides; Amusement Ride-Related Injuries; Amusement Ride-Related Fatalities; Hazard Patterns Associated with American Ride-Related Incidents; Reference. Technical Notes; Reported Fatalities; Investigated Cases: 85 Incidents reported and recorded, and over one hundred fatalities. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair.
	[BOOK 175] ERIC J. IERARDI: GRAVESEND, THE HOME OF CONEY ISLAND. [2001] (17x25cm - Originally published in 1975 - 160 Pages - Some B&W photos) This book takes readers on a fascinating journey from the town’s first settlement in the 1640s across four centuries of progress, conflict and change. Explore the renowned dance halls, race tracks, and casinos, and thrill at the kaleidoscopic assortment of roller coasters and other breathtaking rides, such as the Parachute Jump at the celebrated Dreamland, Luna, and Steeplechase Parks. Chapter Points: Introduction; Founding and Settlement; Evolution through Revolution; Gravesend Develops into a Resort Area; The Age of Progress; The Greening of Gravesend; Bibliography; Index. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 176] ARTHUR HAWKEY: THE AMAZING HIRAM MAXIM, AN INTIMATE BIOGRAPHY. [2001] (16x24cm - 174 Pages) Hiram Stevens Maxim (1840-1916) was one of the most significant figures of the Victorian/Edwardian period. Born the son of pioneering English parents in the backwoods of Maine, he emerged to make himself master of anything mechanical or electrical - his genius fuelled only by intermittent village school studies. Maxim was an outstanding pioneer in heavier-than-air flight. He amazed Victorians with a huge experimental aeroplane, powered by two steam engines, in which he took off from ground level; on one occasion he did so with the future King George V on board. This book seeks out to redress history’s neglect of Maxim in a rounded picture of him as an inventive genius, philanderer, bigamist and autocrat with a kindly streak. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 177] DALE SAMUELSON: THE AMERICAN AMUSEMENT PARK. [2001] (26x26cm - 160 Pages - Many colour photos). For more than a century, amusement parks have been a source of fun and entertainment for young and old alike. Since its beginnings on the East Coast, the amusement park has been a part of the American way of life. And as America changed, the amusement park changed with it. Chapter Points: Foreword; Introduction; Pleasure Gardens and Picnic Groves; Coney Island; An Idea Spreads; Hurry, Hurry Step Right Up, Folks! Round and Round; The King is Dead; Great Lost Parks; Survivors; Variations on a Theme (Park). ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Recommended.
	[BOOK 178] MICHAEL BURGAN: THE WORLD’S WILDEST ROLLER COASTERS. [2001] (15x22cm - 48 Pages - Many colour photos). A piece of juvenile literature sure to appeal to the up and coming roller coaster enthusiast. Chapter Points: Wild Roller Coasters; The Beast (Kings Island); The Pepsi Max Big One (Blackpool Pleasure Beach); Volcano, The Blast Coaster (Kings Dominion); Superman: The Escape (Six Flags Magic Mountain); The Future of Roller Coasters. Also Features: Centrifugal Force; G Forces; Fast Facts; Words to Know; Useful Addresses and Internet Sites. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 179] KLAUS SCHÜTZMANNSKY: DER ACHTERBAHN-DESIGNER WERNER STENGEL. [2001] (23x28cm - 168 Pages - B&W and colour photos and diagrams throughout). A unique and entertaining compilation of the numerous innovations by civil engineer Werner Stengel, who, in the 1960s reformed the construction of rollercoasters all over the world. The first German steel rollercoaster was built according to his calculations and in the following years, thanks to Stengel’s unbroken creativity, technical specialties like the famous looping coasters that came to realization. (German script throughout). ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Excellent.
	[BOOK 180] HARRY J. DEITZ: KNOEBELS, AN AMUSEMENT PARK WITH A HEART. [2001] (23x29cm - 218 Pages - Many B&W photos). Knoebels is an amusement park steeped in history. This book marks the 75th anniversary of one of the most popular traditional family resorts in America. Chapter Points: In the Beginning; A New Swimming Pool; An Investment in the Future; Henry and the Gang: The Family Tree; A Good Start in the Amusement Industry; Carousels, Organs, Covered Bridges; Rapid Growth Continues; The Fabulous 60s; An Eventful Decade – The 70s; A Time to Celebrate; Keeping Up With the Times; 1985: The Year of the Phoenix; The Flume and the Sklooosh; Building the Twister; A Year to Remember. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Recommended.
	[BOOK 181] TIM O’BRIEN: THE AMUSEMENT PARK GUIDE, VOLUME 4. [2001] (12x22cm - 304 Pages - Few B&W photos). This publication is packed with information about the most thrilling, fantastic amusement parks in North America and Canada. Covering some 290 locations - big and small - this guide delivers the goods: what to see, what to do, and where to go for the ride of your life! CHECK ’EM OUT! (1) Spiderman Adventure: This Orlando ride has it all - moving vehicles, 3-D filmed action, and live action. (2) Millennium Force: Experience a 300-foot, 80-degree drop on North America’s tallest coaster in Sandusky, Ohio. Hold On! (3) Soarin’ Over California: Sit below glider wings, swing into a dome-shaped movie screen, and fly from the Golden Gate Bridge to the San Diego Bay - while your body remains in Anaheim. (4) Hypersonic XLC: Go from 0 to 80 in 1.8 seconds on this pneumatically powered coaster in Doswell, Virginia. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 182] NATHAN A. UNTERMAN: AMUSEMENT PARK PHYSICS. [2001] (21x27cm - 200 Pages - B&W Illustrations, Diagrams & Tables). This book is strictly for the budding thrill-ride designer / physicist. Physics students will enjoy the activities in this book. Including formulas and notes on every conceivable spin ride and roller coaster out there: Rotor; Merry Go Round; Tilting Rides; Rotating Swing; Dual-Axis Spinners; Double Ferris Wheel; Enterprise Wheel; Bumper Cars; Free Falls; Looping Coasters; Non Looping Coasters, etc… A purely educational publication (A-Level +) containing student / teacher notes and papers. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Recommended.
	[BOOK 183] D.M. MILLER: WHAT WOULD WALT DO?. [2001] (15x23cm – 112 Pages). Before Walt Disney died in December 1966, he assembled a dedicated team to create a new theme park in Orlando, Florida. Walt’s brother, Roy would eventually name the attraction Walt Disney World so that no one would ever forget whose dream it was. People who had worked for Walt since the 1950s designing, building, and operating Disneyland in Anaheim, California anchored the team. Team members were guided in the years after Walt’s death by asking each other, “What would Walt do?” This question was asked countless times during the design and construction of the huge theme park. It was asked about issues involving quality, creativity, safety, and the guest experience. The team knew what the right thing was, and always did it, regardless of cost… ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair.
	[BOOK 184] KATHERINE & RICHARD GREENE: INSIDE THE DREAM – THE PERSONAL STORY OF WALT DISNEY. [2001] (29x32cm – 194 Pages - Full colour). Walter Elias Disney’s impact on American popular culture was, and continues to be, immeasurable. Told through the emotionally engaging words of those who knew, worked with, and studied him, this publication is by far the most revelatory portrait to date of this remarkable man. Although he died in 1966, his legacy lives on in so many ways. Selected Chapter Points: Foreword By Diane Disney Miller; Introduction; Time Line; A Good Hard Failure; Flora and Elias; Before The Mouse; Lilly; Mickey & More; Snow White; “He Was Daddy;” A New Art Form; Flora’s Death; The Strike; World War II; Walt & Trains: “My Pride & Joy;” Dreaming Of Disneyland; Television; A Growing Family; Disneyland – The Reality; A Comfortable Man; Walt & Roy; The World’s Fair; Love & Laughter; Still Dreaming; Walt’s Death. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Excellent.
	[BOOK 185] 30 YEARS OF ENJOYING FUN AT HOLIDAY PARK. [2001] (21x22cm – 92 Pages - Full colour). Documenting and celebrating 30 years of action, fun, and fascination at Holiday Park (Hassloch/Pfalz, Germany). Selected Chapter Points: Introductory View; The Park in Pictures; The First Years 1971-1975; Snapshots 1976-1980; 1981-1982; Prominent Visitors 1983-1990; 1991 -20 Years of Holiday Park; 1992-1994; Short Messages; 1995 Aquascope and the Flower Festival; 1996 -25 years of Holiday Park; Special Meetings 1996; 1997 European Sensation - The Free Fall Tower; 1997-2000; 2001 Join the Festival Celebrating 30 Years of Holiday Park. (German script throughout). ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair.
	[BOOK 186] C. CHARLES CIESLA: A HISTORY OF SANS SOUCI PARK 1893 - 1973. [2001] (22x28cm - 246 Pages - Many B&W photos). Hanover Park (Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania) opened on 4 July 1893 and closed as Sans Souci Park in 1970. Chapter Points: Overview and Timeline; 1893-1975 Brief History of Sans Souci Park; 1893-1904 The Beginning, Hanover Grove, Hanover Park; 1905 Grand Opening, New Name, Sans Souci; 1906-1927 Profitable Years, Lake Closed, Pool Built; 1928 New Owners, New Rides, The Bear Cat; 1929-1941 Depression Years, War Clouds; 1942-1957 Wartime and Peacetime; 1958-1970 Glen Alden Sells its Land; 1971 -1975 Farewell, Sans Souci Closed; Memories; More Memories; Acknowledgements; Bibliography; Index. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Excellent.
	[BOOK 187] BRIAN STEPTOE: FAIRGROUND FUN AT FOLLY FARM. [2001] (20x21cm - 38 Pages - Few B&W and many colour photos). The Williams family of Folly Farm (Pembrokeshire, Wales) first opened a behind-the-scenes viewing gallery for the public in 1988. Their aim is to provide a fun-packed day out the whole family can enjoy. The fairground rides of yesteryear have been a major part of this experience since 1996. The displayed rides and attractions are of national heritage importance. Operating under cover from the elements, this is no museum; it is a living working fair. Folly Farm maintains a programme of restoration to keep all the rides functioning in pristine condition. Chapter Points: Hiring Fairs; Major Rides; Rides for the Youngest; Sidestalls; Games and Swingboats; Fairground Organs, and more. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair.
	[BOOK 188] WOODY REGISTER: THE KID OF CONEY ISLAND. [2001] (16x24cm - 400 Pages). A generation before Walt Disney, Fred Thompson was the “boy-wonder” of American popular amusements. At the turn of the twentieth century, Thompson’s entrepreneurial drive made him into an entertainment mogul who helped to define the popular culture of his day. This is the remarkable story of Thompson and examines the transformation of commerce and entertainment as American society moved into an era of mass marketing and large-scale corporate enterprise. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair.
	[BOOK 189] MAVIS TOFTE: THE ENCHANTED FOREST AND ITS FAMILY. [2001] (20x26cm - 102 Pages - Many B&W and colour photos). A history of the Enchanted Forest (Oregon, USA), and the family that grew with the concept of giving pleasure to others. Visit a world where dreams become reality. Here the beauty of nature is an asset to be preserved in order to enhance the growth of the magical world in its midst. Today, as yesterday, visitors are sheltered from the cares of the outside world as they stroll through this magical land of enchantment. Chapter Points: Introduction; A Dream Maker; A Growing Family; Birth of the Dream; Opening for Business; Living an Enchanted Life (with Haunted House, Indian Caves, Ice Mountain Bobsleds, and Big Timber Log Ride development); More, Bigger, Better (with a Behind-the-Scenes feature, including the Park today); Special Memories; A Place in History; The Family Now. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 190] KAREL LOEFF & HENNIE VAN OERS: DE ACHTBAAN HISTORISCH OVERZICHT KERMISATTRACTIES. [2001] (15x21cm - 36 Pages - Many B&W photos). 3 of 8 The roller coaster is the largest type of fairground ride, and is mainly found on the larger Netherlands Fairgrounds. This booklet explores the history of Dutch roller coasters: From the wooden roller coaster 'figuur' (representation) to the steel Wild Mouse, with variants such as the Flitzer, the Alpine Express and the Catapult. Also looks at the largest transportable roller coasters, and the development of Dutch amusement parks. Chapter Points: Het Begin; Europa; De Achtbaan op de Kermis; De Twintiger en Dertiger Jaren; De Vijftiger Jaren; Staalachtbanen; De Klassieke 8-Baan; Flitzer; Blauer Enzian; Zware Constructie; Alpentour en Alpen Express; De Jumbo Jet; Achtbanen op de Rekreade; Kleine Railbanen; De Jaren Tachtig en Negentig; De Katapult; Nieuwe Ontwikkelingen; Schwarzkopf; Evenementen; Nederlandse Bouwers; Achtbanen in Pretparken. (Dutch script throughout). ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 191] KAREL LOEFF & HENNIE VAN OERS: KIJKWERK HISTORISCH OVERZICHT KERMISATTRACTIES. [2001] (15x21cm - 50 Pages - Many B&W photos). 4 of 8. This book is dedicated to "Looking and Working" in fairground sideshows and carnival tents. From the fat lady, animal exhibits, Wall of Death motorcycle stunts; flea circuses and the girl without a head... these are all examples of the wide world of Kijkwerk. This ancient form of entertainment has now become a rarity, but in the past was very different. This is a look at a past world of freak shows and live entertainment with a description and explanation of each. Chapter Points: Wat is kijkwerk?; Stil kijkwerk en parade; Van reizend naar vast; De toekomst; Toneel En Theater; De schouwburg; Poppenkast en marionetten; Het circus; Variete; Grote En Kleine Dieren; Menagerieen; Het vlooientheater; De muizenstad; Mens En Mysterie; Abnormaliteiten; Echt of trucage?; Mannenwerk!; De sportshow; De steilwand; Wetenschap En Techniek; Het panopticum; De wereld in het klein; Unieke zaken; De bioscoop. (Dutch script throughout). ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 192] BRUCE CARON & JEFF BROUWS: INSIDE THE LIVE REPTILE TENT - THE TWILIGHT WORLD OF THE CARNIVAL MIDWAY. [2001] (24x26cm - 146 Pages - Full colour). Before the Magic Kingdom and Six Flags, there was the travelling carnival. Humble by today's standards this institution still retains its stronghold on the American psyche: weekend excursions with family, cotton candy and corn dogs, towering metal contraptions with names like "The Zipper" unwinnable ring tosses. This book is a journey to the heart of American recreation, where once beat the pulse of every special weekend and holiday adventure. Chapter Points: A Sea Of Questionable Taste; Little Egypt Danced The Hootchie Kootchie; The Politics Of Laughter; Welcome To The Pleasure Palace; Iron John Meets Zip The Pinhead; Notes From The Photographer. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 193] CARL D. JENNINGS: OMAHA'S PEONY PARK - AN AMERICAN LEGEND. [2001/2] (16x23cm – 128 Pages - Many B&W photos). What began in 1919 as a modest gas station and restaurant on famous Lincoln Highway, Peony Park would grow to become the best-known entertainment oasis in Omaha history. Eventually blossoming into a beer garden and ballroom, and with the addition of a swimming pool in 1926, Peony also became the official headquarters for the Lawrence Welk Band in the 1930s. All of this ensured the park’s popularity. Peony Amusement Park lasted 75-years, and during that time people travelled from all over the country to ride the rides, soak up the atmosphere and admire the colourful valley. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended.
	[BOOK 194] MICHAEL J. FISHER: ALTON TOWERS, A GOTHIC WONDERLAND. [2002] (17x24cm - 184 Pages - Many B&W photos and diagrams, few colour photos). Alton Towers is known to millions as the picturesque backdrop to one of Europe’s most popular theme parks. Yet the story of this great house has lain hidden in archive repositories and picture collections - until now. From its origin as a mere hunting-lodge to its completion as the largest privately-owned house in Europe, crammed with costly furniture and works of art, the history of the Alton Towers estate is brought to life. This publication investigates the history of the towers, the rise and fall of the house and the people who owned the estate. (This book is not about Alton Towers theme park). ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair.
	[BOOK 195] JIM FUTRELL: AMUSEMENT PARKS OF PENNSYLVANIA. [2002] (15x23cm - 212 Pages – Many B&W photos). Chapter Points: Introduction; A History of the Amusement Park Industry; A History of the Amusement Park in Pennsylvania; Williams Grove; Idlewild and Soak Zone; Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom; Conneaut Lake; Lakemont Park; Waldameer Park and Water World; Kennywood; Bushkill Park; Hersheypark; DelGrosso’s; Knoebels; Dutch Wonderland; Sesame Place; Pennsylvania’s Smaller Parks; Index of Major Rides in Operation in Pennsylvania. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended.
	[BOOK 196] BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH: A PALETTE OF LIFE. [2002] (21x21cm - 42 Pages – Many colour sketches). A chronological portfolio of Blackpool Pleasure Beach images (2000-2002) brought to life by Julia Midgley, artist in residence at BPB. Chapter Points: Introduction by Geoffrey Thompson; Launch of the Dipperthon; Valhalla; Summer Days; Summing Up; The Artist, Julia Midgley. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Poor.
	[BOOK 197] CHARLES DENSON: CONEY ISLAND LOST AND FOUND. [2002] (20x25cm - 296 Pages – Many B&W and colour photos). A ride on the legendary Cyclone roller coaster, a bite of a Nathan’s hot dog, an afternoon spent at New York City’s most beautiful beach – these have long been iconic experiences for Coney Island visitors. Chapter Points: Introduction; Coney Island 1646 – 1955, (plus five sub-chapters); Coming of Age in Coney Island, (plus eleven sub-chapters); Decline and Comeback, (plus nine sub-chapters); Amusement Milestones. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good.
	[BOOK 198] CHARLES J. JACQUES: CINCINNATI’S CONEY ISLAND. [2002] (21x28cm - 234 Pages – Many B&W, some colour photos). Chapter Points: Parker’s Grove 1867-85; Ohio Grove 1886-95; The First Island Queen: A Floating Palace 1896-1912; Fire, Flood, Ice and War 1913-23; New Owners Take Control 1924-29; The Great Depression and Big Bands 1930-39; World War II and Its Aftermath 1940-47; Baby Boomers, Television and Integration 1948-61; America’s Finest Amusement Park 1962-71; Yesterday’s Memories and Tomorrow’s Dreams 1972-today. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended.
	[BOOK 199] DAVID W. & DIANE DEMALI FRANCIS: OHIO'S AMUSEMENT PARKS IN VINTAGE POSTCARDS. [2002] (16x23cm - 128 Pages - Many B&W postcards). By 1912, there were 54 amusement parks in Ohio. The parks came in all sizes, and featured such attractions as the Flying Ponies carousel, the Chute-the-Chutes water ride, and the Cyclone, Racer, and Dip-the-Dips roller coasters. Some, like Cleveland’s White City, seemed to be courted by bad luck from the beginning, and folded after a few disappointing seasons. Others, like Youngstown’s Idora Park, enjoyed long lives and fostered beloved memories but eventually closed down in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. A few, like Sandusky’s Cedar Point, have grown to be considered among the greatest amusement parks in the world. But most are now forgotten. Chapter Points: The Golden Age of Ohio Amusement Parks: 1895-1919; The Uneven Prosperity of the 1920s and the End of the Golden Age; Depression. War, and Partial Recovery: The 1930s and 1940s; The Demise of the Traditional Amusement Park and the Rise of the Super Park: 1950s and 1960s. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good.
	[BOOK 200] MICHAEL IMMERSO: CONEY ISLAND, THE PEOPLE’S PLAYGROUND. [2002] (22x28cm – 200 Pages – Many B&W, some colour photos). At the beginning of the twentieth century, Coney Island was the uncontested epicentre of America’s emerging mass culture. It was the quintessential American resort: the birthplace of the amusement park, hot dog and the roller coaster. Chapter Points: Coney (1824-1911); Carousels, Coasters and Amusements; The Nickel Empire (1920-1933); The Mermaid Parade (1965-2001). ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good.
	Email your comments and questions to ANDY SHINE'S glamorous assistant:

Back to the top