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[BOOK 321] NATHAN LEPORA: TWISTS AND TURNS, FORCES IN MOTION. [2008] (21x28cm - 34 Pages - Full colour). 1 of 4: Theme park science has never been so interesting. A fun and informative book packed with amazing photos, facts, and figures about theme park rides. Discover how theme parks use science to create thrilling, white-knuckle rides. Chapter Points: Rotational Movement; Rotational Energy; Centripetal Force; Cornering; Looping; Spinning; Swings and Pendulums; Glossary; Index. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good for children. |
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[BOOK 322] NATHAN LEPORA: FALLING FOR FUN, GRAVITY IN MOTION. [2008] (21x28cm - 34 Pages - Full colour). 2 of 4: Theme park science has never been so interesting. A fun and informative book packed with amazing photos, facts, and figures about theme park rides. Discover how theme parks use science to create thrilling, white-knuckle rides. Chapter Points: Gravity; Weight; G-Forces and Free Fall; Centre of Gravity; Energy; Kinetic Energy; Potential Energy; Energy Conservation; Glossary; Index. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good for children. |
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[BOOK 323] NATHAN LEPORA: MARVELLOUS MACHINERY, GEARS, LEVERS AND MORE. [2008] (21x28cm - 34 Pages - Full colour). 3 of 4: Theme park science has never been so interesting. A fun and informative book packed with amazing photos, facts, and figures about theme park rides. Discover how theme parks use science to create thrilling, white-knuckle rides. Chapter Points: Machines; Wheels and Ramps; Pulleys and Levers; Propulsion; Materials; Strong Structures; Design; New Technology; Glossary; Index. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good for children. |
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[BOOK 324] NATHAN LEPORA: HIGH SPEED THRILLS, ACCELERATION AND VELOCITY. [2008] (21x28cm - 34 Pages - Full colour). 4 of 4: Theme park science has never been so interesting. A fun and informative book packed with amazing photos, facts, and figures about theme park rides. Discover how theme parks use science to create thrilling, white-knuckle rides. Chapter Points: Force; Speed and Velocity; Acceleration; Mass and Inertia; Wheels and Tracks; Friction; Air Resistance; Braking; Glossary; Index. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good for children. |
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[BOOK 325] JAY DUCHARME: MOUNTAIN PARK. [2008] (16x23cm - 130 Pages - Many B&W photos). Following Mountain Park’s (Holyoke, Massachusetts) opening in 1894 as a picturesque retreat on the side of Mount Tom, Mountain Park expanded and evolved into one of the most beloved amusement parks in New England. At the beginning of the 20th century, Holyoke was the most prosperous community in the state, and the first planned industrial city in the United States. The city’s progress drew crowds of visitors to the park, and it gradually developed into a bustling destination. Although Mountain Park closed its gates in 1987, the echoes of laughter from generations of visitors still reverberate throughout the Pioneer Valley. Chapter Points: Introduction; Cow Pastures with Scenery; The Phoenix on the Mountain; The Valley Players; Soldiers Return; A Place for Families; Riding into the Sunset. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Excellent. |
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[BOOK 326] JEFFREY P. STONEKING: THEME PARK SAFETY FAILURE$. [2008] (15x23cm - 102 Pages). From design flaws to cover-ups when deadly accidents occur, the squeaky-clean image of theme parks is plagued with circumstances park officials and ride manufacturers prefer the public not to be informed of. This book sheds a glaring beacon on issues and incidents that riders and attendees should be made fully aware of - that their lives are at an even greater risk than ever before. Since theme parks are constantly competing against one another with higher, bigger, and faster installations, safety issues are being totally disregarded with virtually no time for error. Warning: ride - and read at your own risk, as thrill rides are becoming kill rides. Chapter Points: Twist and Shout; Never!; Splat; Mousetrap; Identified Flying Objects; It Shouldn’t Do That!; What Goes Up. . .; Riff Raft; It Happens In 3’s; The “Marvellous” Son of Beast; Too High, Too Fast, Too Soon; A Cursed Name; A Ticket to Die. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[BOOK 327] AMERICAN COASTER ENTHUSIASTS: 2008 WORLDWIDE ROLLER COASTER CENSUS. (21x28cm - 110 Pages). The complete catalogue of all operating coasters worldwide. A comprehensive list detailing: coaster type, manufacturer, year debuted, park, statistics, location (state/country) etc… ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair. |
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[BOOK 328] KATHRYN W. BURKE: PLAYLAND. [2008] (16x23cm - 128 Pages - Many B&W photos). Recalling the early days of Playland (Rye, New York), a national historic landmark and America’s only publicly owned amusement park. Opened in 1928 as part of the newly developed Westchester County Park System, Playland originally drew crowds that arrived to enjoy the circus acts, sideshows, and rides, such as the Swooper, an oval roller coaster, and the Derby Racer, one of only two left in the United States. An all-purpose resort, the park included a beach, bathhouse, pool, and casino with restaurants and games. Today Playland draws even larger crowds - nearly a million people each season - that come to ride the Dragon Coaster and stroll along the boardwalk. Chapter Points: Introduction; Construction; Rides and Attractions; Kiddyland; Entertainers; Sports and Games; On the Water; Getting to the Park; Around the Park. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good. |
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[BOOK 329] RICHARD HARRIS: EARLY AMUSEMENT PARKS OF ORANGE COUNTY. [2008] (16x23cm - 128 Pages - Many B&W photos). The Orange County coast (California, USA) had its Joy Zone and its Fun Zone in the early decades of the 20th century. Knott’s Berry Farm sprouted from a simple berry stand in Buena Park. The spot that would become Walt Disney’s theme-park empire began as a citrus grove in Anaheim. Before long, Orange County was recognised as the nurturing ground for the growing amusement park industry. Some amusement parks have come and gone over a century of development, and some are still here, changing with the times to create new adventure and excitement for park goers. Chapter Points: Introduction; Coastal Amusement Parks; Knott’s Berry Farm; Walt Disney and Disneyland; Hollywood and Entertainment Attractions; Wildlife Attractions; Old MacDonald’s Farm. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good. |
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[BOOK 330] SONJA HAVERMANS: DRIEVLIET 70 JAAR. [2008] (20x21cm - 86 Pages - Full colour). Celebrating seventy years of Drievliet Familiepark (Rijswijk, The Netherlands). From its founding in 1937, read about the many events that have shaped the park we see today. See and read about the Jet Star coaster, the Carousel, Enterprise wheel, Swinging ship, Dynamite Express, Bumping cars, Ferris wheel, and the 2007 launched coaster, Formule X. Chapter Points: Voorwoord; In Vogelvlucht; Van Speeltuin Naar Familiepark; De Drie Van Drievliet; Nawoord. (Dutch script throughout). ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good. |
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[BOOK 331] DOUGLAS LOUDENBACK: SPRINGLAKE AMUSEMENT PARK. [2008] (16x23cm - 130 Pages - Many B&W photos). With beginnings in 1922 through to the park’s closing in 1981, Springlake came to be Oklahoma’s premier place for fun for everyone around the state during its almost six-decade longevity. For all its goodness Springlake was flawed, remaining segregated longer than many other businesses during the tumultuous civil rights era. Forced to integrate by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Springlake adapted poorly - instead of opening its huge pool to all swimmers and sunbathers, the pool became an aquarium. Racial tensions culminated Easter 1971 with a small but important racially based riot from which the park never fully recovered. Chapter Points: Foreword; Introduction; Overlooking the Park; The Early Years; The Middle Years; The Heyday Years; A Failed Solution; The Last Years. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good. |
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[BOOK 332] SCOTT A. LUKAS: THEME PARK. [2008] (16x21cm - 274 Pages - Many B&W, few colour photos). Theme parks are a uniquely interactive and enduring modern form of entertainment that have influenced architecture, technology and culture in surprising ways for more than a century. This piece takes the primitive amusements of nineteenth-century pleasure gardens as its starting point, and continues with an in-depth investigation of the theme park throughout the twentieth century and beyond. World-famous and lesser-known parks are discussed, including parks located in the USA, UK, Europe, Japan, China, South Africa and Australia. Chapter Points: Theme Park as Oasis; Theme Park as Land; Theme Park as Machine; Theme Park as Show; Theme Park as Brand; Theme Park as Text; References; Select Bibliography; Index. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Excellent. |
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[BOOK 333] LYNDA J. RUSSELL: LAKE COMPOUNCE. [2008] (16x23cm - 130 Pages - Many B&W photos). Founded in October 1846 by two local families, Lake Compounce (Bristol, Connecticut) began its transformation from a rustic summer resort into a bustling amusement park. Gad Norton and Isaac Pierce teamed together to build a park that utilized the lake's natural appeal for swimming, boating and picnicking. This publication highlights the park's long history of big bands, the Crocodile Club, the Wildcat roller coaster, and the William Gillette train. For generations, the park has been able to maintain its status as a local treasure while expanding and growing into what is today recognized as "America's pioneer playground." Chapter Points: Introduction; The Norton and Pierce Families; American Pioneer Playground; Crocodile Club; Amusements; Big Bands and Concerts; Memories; A New Beginning. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[BOOK 334] PATRICK LIVINGSTON: SUMMER DREAMS, THE STORY OF BOB-LO ISLAND. [2008] (20x25cm - 194 Pages - Many B&W photos). For most Windsor and Amherstburg, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, area residents, the word “Bob-lo” reminds one of perfect summer days in the park on the enchanted isle at the mouth of the Detroit River. For several generations over the past century, Bob-lo epitomized a place of fun, recreation, and magic for friends and family. As the island park matured, bucolic meadow picnics gave way to dancing and then thrill rides that kept park goers enthralled through many a warm summer’s day and night. Chapter Points: Prologue; Bob-lo in the River of Time; Amusing Times for the Twentieth Century, 1892-1902; Dance Fever 1902-1912; Good Times and Hard Times, 1913-1939; Under New Management, 1938-1949; Bob-lo, A Browning Line, 1949-1979; Thrills and Spills in the Amusement Business, 1979-1993; The Thrill is Gone, 1993-2006; Afterword; Notes; Index. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[BOOK 335] JEFF KURTTI: WALT DISNEY'S IMAGINEERING LEGENDS, AND THE GENESIS OF THE DISNEY THEME PARK. [2008] (24x28cm - 150 Pages - Full colour). Although Disneyland was the inspiration of one man, Walt did not achieve this history-altering concept on his own. This book introduces a core group of the originators of Disneyland and the other Disney parks. It explores their individual relationships with Walt and each other, their creative breakthroughs and failures, and their professional rivalries and politics. This candid narrative of their lives and contributions to a very special form of entertainment illustrates why, more than half a century later, their work continues to be vital and important to millions of people every day, and all over the world. Chapter Points: Foreword (Martin A. Sklar); What is Imagineering?; The First Imagineer - Walt Disney; The Prototype Imagineers; The Executive Suite; The Place Makers; The Story Department; Masters of Mixed Media; The Model Shop; The Machine Shop; The Music Makers; The Unofficial Imagineers; The Renaissance Imagineer; Index. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Excellent. |
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[BOOK 336] DARYL T. SCHLENDER: SILVER SANDS AND GOLDEN MEMORIES - THE HISTORY OF SILVER BEACH AMUSEMENT PARK. [2008] (15x23cm - 192 Pages - Many B&W photos). Those who experienced the Silver Beach (St Joseph, Michigan), will recall memories that take them back to a simpler, more innocent time. For those who did not have the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of the park, this book is the next best thing to having been there. Selected Chapter Points: Acknowledgements; Foreword; Drake & Wallace Partnership / Biographies; Early History; Territorial Development; Expansion; First Attractions; Park Progress; Continued Activities; The Exciting Decade; Unknown Episode; Park Mishaps; A Terpsichorean Plan and Other Changes; Realization of a Dream; Additions and Important Changes; The 1940s and 1950s; “Chief” and Bobbie; Persons and Personalities; Closing Park Activities; Last One Standing; Death of a Legend; From City to County; Silver Beach Today; Conclusion. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good. |
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[BOOK 337] JIM ABBATE: FLYING TURNS CHRONICLE. [2008] (22x28cm - 40 Pages - Many B&W photos and diagrams). This special newsletter has been brought about by the reintroduction of a classic amusement park ride called the Flying Turns. Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, Pennsylvania) has built an updated version of this traditional attraction that has been absent from amusement parks for over 30 years. What is the story behind the ride? Where did this type of ride come from? Who originally built it? Find all the answers and more in Flying Turns Chronicle. Features the Flying Turns at: Lakeside Park (Ohio); Euclid Beach Park (Ohio); Rocky Point (Rhode Island); Century of Progress World’s Fair (Chicago); Forest Park Highlands (St. Louis); Steeplechase Park (New York); Luna Park (Paris); Brussels International Exposition (Belgium); Prater (Austria); Riverview Park (Chicago); Bakken (Denmark); Sandy Beach Park (Ohio); Unknown (Germany); Palisades Park (New Jersey); New York World’s Fair (Flushing Meadows); Unknown (Argentina) Fyn’s Tivoli (Denmark); Knoebels (Pennsylvania). ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[BOOK 338] JASON MAYOH: TALES OF ROCKY POINT PARK. [2008] (17x27cm - 114 Pages - Many B&W photos and illustrations. Few colour pages). A most impressive comic-book style publication, charting the rich history and lore of Rocky Point Park (Warwick, Rhode Island). Located on Narragansett Bay, Rocky Point Amusement Park was once known as “The Playground of New England for Over 150 Years.” In its heyday, the Park boasted attendance records of over 75,000 people. Chapter Points: Introduction; Tales Concerning the House of Horrors (Castle of Terror) 1963-2007; Escaped Monkeys; Dark Night of the Skyliner; Memories, Rumours and Tall Tales of Rocky Point Park; The Fabulous Flume Ride & Log #13; Vintage Rocky Point Postcards; Rest in Peace Rocky Point; About the Author. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Excellent. |
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[BOOK 339] IAN MARK SMITH & DEAN DAVIS: WILDWOOD MOMENTS - NEW JERSEY'S BELOVED BOARDWALK. [2008] (23x28cm - 100 Pages - Full colour). The Wildwood, New Jersey boardwalk is among the most beloved boardwalks along the New Jersey Barrier Island. It will always have a place in the hearts of its visitors; as a beach, it provides the timeless experience of a vacation at the shore, and as a boardwalk and town, it caters to every childlike fascination. And the temptation of unsupervised adventure lies just a few hours from home. Wildwood is a truly special place, marked by a prosperous history of providing entertainment and lifelong beach memories for all ages. Chapter Points: Introduction; Unpacking a Little History; Catching an Early Show; Bright, Warm and Busy; The Second Wind; The Sideshow - Night time in Wildwood; The Collections. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[BOOK 340] DAVID BETTENCOURT & STEPHANIE CHAUVIN: ROCKY POINT PARK. [2009] (17x24cm - 130 Pages - Many B&W photos). In 1847, Rocky Point Park’s (Warwick, Rhode Island) humble beginnings as a Sunday school picnic ground gave birth to a true Rhode Island tradition. For nearly 150 years, until its closing in 1995, the park evolved as it welcomed resort vacationers, hosted two U.S. presidents, suffered through devastating hurricanes, and was afterward revived by the Ferla family. By the mid 20th century, no summer in Rhode Island was complete without a trip to Rocky Point to ride the Corkscrew, cool off in the Olympic-sized saltwater pool, and enjoy all-you-can-eat clam cakes and chowder at the world’s largest Shore Dinner Hall. Although no longer standing, Rocky Point Park remains an iconic piece of Rhode Island history and the subject of many fond memories. Chapter Points: Introduction; Early Years; Food and Fun; Rides and Attractions; Ruins and Demolition. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[BOOK 341] AMY HUTCHINGS: WHERE PEOPLE WORK / WHAT HAPPENS AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK? [2009] (18x18cm - 26 Pages - Full colour). Join Buddy, every first-grader’s favourite pal, as he goes behind the scenes at interesting real-life places where people do interesting real-life work. This edition takes readers inside an amusement park to meet the many workers who help a dad and his daughter enjoy a day of fun. This English/Spanish bilingual book enables children to work on their second-language skills as they develop skills in their primary language. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good for younger children. |
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[BOOK 342] THEME PARK INSIDER GUIDE TO ALTON TOWERS 2009. (13x20cm - 42 Pages - Full colour). The definitive unofficial guide to the UK’s number one theme park. Specifically compiled to help readers make the most of their Alton Towers (Staffordshire, England) day out, in an interesting and informative short format. Alton Towers is one of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions, and with a little forward planning you can avoid the queues! Do you know about single rider queues? The best times of the year to visit? The best way to get the cheapest tickets? Do you want a comprehensive guide to the rides, food and resort? This guide shares useful advice to help ensure you have a fun and enjoyable experience. Chapter Points: Introduction; Dates & Times; Tickets & Offers; Travel & Parking; Monorail & Main Gates; Queuing Systems; Ride & Area Guides; Entertainment; Food; Thrill Seeker’s Itinerary; Family Itinerary; Children’s Itinerary; Hints & Tips; Resort Guide; Local Accommodation; Alton Towers’ Future; Links. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Excellent. |
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[BOOK 343] DIANNE IRVING: AMUSEMENT PARKS - PERIMETER AND AREA. [2009] (18x23cm - 34 Pages - Full colour). Amusement parks are lots of fun. They have rides, games, and other entertainment. There are different kinds of amusement parks. Some are small with only a few rides. Some are huge and have themes. Each park is carefully planned to fit a certain area. This exciting book is designed to help educate children about perimeter and area, and features interesting and useful information about amusement parks and roller coasters worldwide. Chapter Points: Amusement Parks; History of Amusement Parks; Amusement Park Rides; Water Parks; Getting Around the Parks; Planning for Fun; Problem-Solving Activity; Glossary; Index; Answer Key (answers to tasks). ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair for young children. |
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[BOOK 344] JAMES HARRIS: SANTA MONICA PIER - A CENTURY ON THE LAST GREAT PLEASURE PIER. [2009] (23x23cm - 130 Pages - Full colour). Take a ride on the Carousel. Take a dip on the coaster. Or just take a stroll on the deck. There's something for everyone on the Santa Monica Pier. A classic pleasure pier with a certain 'je ne sais quoi,' it attracts crowds of visitors from all over the world and its sign has become an international icon, symbolizing all that is right with the world. For a hundred years the Pier has represented the link between people and the Pacific, a connection to all that's possible, probable and worthy of dreams. This commemorative collection of vintage images, colourful artwork, fascinating history and amazing lore invites anyone who has ever enjoyed the Pier to revisit its past and contemplate its future. Main Chapter Points: Foreword (By Robert Redford); The Early Years; The Last Great Pleasure Pier; Pier Icons (Including the rides and amusements). ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[BOOK 345] PETE TRABUCCO: AMERICA'S TOP ROLLER COASTERS AND AMUSEMENT PARKS. [2009] (15x20cm - 236 Pages - Few colour photos). A guide for those who ride them, and tips for those who fear them. What's it like to ride the best roller coasters on the midway. With new gravity-defying contraptions cropping up every day, roller coasters and thrill rides truly are the driving force behind any amusement park. You'll be afforded an inside look at why amusement parks remain as popular and as successful as ever. Chapter Points: Search for the Ultimate Scream Machine; Closing the Loop! (Author's Story); Brief Coaster History; Is This Ride Safe?; Overcoming Coaster Fear; Coaster Types; Mighty Wood Coasters; Steel Marvels; The Best Mass-Produced Coasters; Top Manufacturers; America's Top Steelies; America's Best Woodies; Top US Parks; Top 25 (NY, NJ, Conn.) Coasters; Coaster Future; List of North American Amusement Parks; Terminology. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Poor. |
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[BOOK 346] MICHAEL FISHER: ALTON TOWERS - PAST & PRESENT. [2009] (17x25cm - 194 Pages - Many B&W photos/drawings). Reputed to have been the largest privately-owned house in Europe, Alton Towers is now known as the backdrop to a theme park. This work traces the history and development of this Gothic-revival mansion and its gardens. Also discusses the growth of the house to its completion as the principal residence of the Earls of Shewsbury. Selected Chapter Points: Alveton Lodge. Alton Abbey: Entrance Hall; Family Rooms; Long Gallery & Great Drawing Room - Evolution of the 'T-Room;' Conservatory; South Entrance & Eastern Range. The Towers: Gallery Range; New Chapel; Romantic Interiors. Earl & Architect; Pugin at Alton: Talbot Gallery; The Octagon; The Grand Talbot; Doria Rooms; The Defence of Alton Towers; Great Dining Room; The 'New Rooms' & South Facade; Kitchens & Servants' Quarters; Interior Decorations; Heating Systems & Glass; Garden Buildings; Railway & Lodges; The Towers Chapel; Ruins & Restoration. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[BOOK 347] JAY JENNINGS: KNOTT'S BERRY FARM - THE EARLY YEARS. [2009] (17x23cm - 130 Pages - Many B&W photos). Before there was a Disneyland, there was a Knott's Berry Farm. What started out in the early 1920s as a small, roadside berry stand in Buena Park, California, grew over the next 60 years into one of the most popular amusement parks in the world. Its founder, Walter Knott, along with his wife and family, knew no boundaries when it came to expanding his small berry market and tearoom into the world-famous Chicken Dinner Restaurant and later adding his ultimate achievement, Ghost Town. Chapter Points: Introduction; The Early Years of Walter Knott; Introducing Knott's Berry Place; Building a Ghost Town; Knott's Berry Farm and Ghost Town; Vintage Knott's Memorabilia. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[BOOK 348] JEFF KURTTI & BRUCE GORDON: THE ART OF WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT. [2009] (27x34cm - 140 Pages - Full colour conceptual art). A showcase of the varied art and artists of Walt Disney Imagineering. Highlighting the rich and vivid creative inspiration behind the development of the landmarks, attractions, architecture and shows that constitute Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida). Each illustration is presented with erudite and fascinating information about the projects, ideas, context and people involved in the creation of Walt Disney World that will further enrich the reader's appreciation of the exceptional talent behind the resort's creation - and perpetual evolution. Chapter Points: A World of Artists (By Roy Edward Disney); A World of Nostalgia; A World of Adventure; A World of Fantasy; A World of History; A World On the Move; A World of Tomorrow; Biographies of Principal Artists: (Tony Baxter, Mary Blair, Collin Campbell, Marc Davis, R. Tom Gilleon, Paul Hartley, Sam McKim, Dorothea Redmond, Herbert Ryman); Acknowledgments and Special Publications; Index. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[BOOK 349] CATHERINE IPCIZADE: BIG ROLLER COASTERS. [2009] (24x29cm - 24 Pages - 9 Full colour/full page coaster photos). Speed down hills. Spin upside down. Let big roller coasters take you for a ride. Learn about big roller coasters and the ways they give riders big thrills. Chapter Points: Big; Bigger; Biggest; Glossary; Read More; Internet Sites; Index. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair, for very young readers. |
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[BOOK 350] JACK WRIGHT: A WILD RIDE. [2009] (23x31cm - 194 Pages - Full colour). The story of Morey's Piers, planet earth's greatest seaside amusement park. Running the business of an amusement park is a lot like spending a day at one. It's a roller coaster of emotions, full of highs and lows. Sometimes you'll be breathless, other times you'll feel like your stomach is in your throat and your heart is in your mouth. It won't be boring, that's for sure. So it goes with Morey's Piers. The company launched 40 years ago with one simple slide on the boardwalk, and zero experience in the game. Now they're running arguably the best seaside amusement park in Wildwood, New Jersey. This is their story. Chapter Points: Foreword (by Will & Jack Morey); Best In Show; The Invention Of Fun; Kings Of The Boardwalk; Building A Dynasty; Monster Attractions; Up, Up And Away; Tacky And Proud Of It!; Disasters, Mishaps and Misunderstandings; The Drawing Board; Dream Team; The Future Of Fun; The Visionary (Wilbert C. Morey 1927-1998). ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Excellent / Recommended. |
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[BOOK 351] HARRY APPLEGATE & THOMAS BENTON: SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE. [2009] (17x23cm - 130 Pages - Many B&W photos). Built in 1974, Great Adventure (Jackson Township, New Jersey), was the larger-than-life dream of a larger-than-life personality, Warner LeRoy. The consummate showman, LeRoy had visions of a fantasy world of rides, shows, and animals in a beautiful and unspoiled woodland setting. In 1977, Great Adventure became a member of the Six Flags family of theme parks and has continued to grow, with bigger and better attractions. Visit attractions past and present, including: the Garden of Marvels, Big Balloon, Freefall, Ultra Twister, Kingda Ka, and Bizarro. Chapter Points: Acknowledgments; Introduction; A Dream Comes True; The Greatest Day of Your Life; It's a Whole New Adventure; It's Playtime! ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[BOOK 352] SUSAN K. MITCHELL: AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES. [2009] (16x23cm - 50 Pages - Full colour). Few things are as exciting as a fast-paced roller coaster ride. The thrill of a huge, sudden drop or a giant loop can be both exhilarating and terrifying. From Kingda Ka in New Jersey to Steel Dragon 2000 in Japan, get an inside scoop on the fastest, tallest, most incredible amusement park rides in the world. Chapter Points: Introduction; Kingda Ka; Millennium Force; Steel Dragon 2000; Son of Beast; Perilous Plunge; X2; Giant Drop (Dreamworld, Australia); Superman-The Escape; Superman-Ride of Steel; Las Vegas' Stratosphere Tower (Big Shot, X-Scream, Insanity); Honorable Mentions (Colossus-Thorpe, Fahrenheit-Hersheypark); Index. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good for children. |
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[BOOK 353] LISA GREATHOUSE: HOW AMUSEMENT PARKS WORK. [2009] (18x23cm - 34 Pages - Full colour). Millions of people visit amusement parks every year. Not many people think about science while there, but fun parks would not exist without science. In fact, you could think of an amusement park as a huge science laboratory. Have you ever wondered how amusement park rides work? What keeps the roller coaster on its track? How the free-fall ride stops? What keeps the Ferris wheel steady? Chapter Points: The Science of Amusement Parks; Simple and Compound Machines; Measuring Motion; That Sinking Feeling; Will You Build the Next Great Ride?; Appendices; Glossary; Index. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair for children. |
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[BOOK 354] MEISH GOLDISH: HEART-STOPPING ROLLER COASTERS. [2009] (21x26cm - 26 Pages - Full colour). Want to take a ride you'll never forget? Then hop aboard the biggest, fastest -and scariest- roller coasters in the world. From the towering Kingda Ka, to the giant Steel Dragon 2000, you'll soon discover why they're called "scream machines"! Chapter Points: The First Coasters in America; Kingda Ka; Steel Dragon 2000; The Beast; Millennium Force; Superman-The Escape; American Eagle; The Riddler's Revenge; Tatsu; More Big Rides: (Beijing's 682ft/208m Great Wheel - Australia's 390ft/119m Giant Drop - The 135ft/41m Brazilian waterslide, Insano - China's 650ft/198m Macau Tower Bungee jump); Index. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended for children. |
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[BOOK 355] RICHARD G. WEINGARDT: CIRCLES IN THE SKY - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF GEORGE FERRIS. [2009] (18x25cm - 162 Pages - Few B&W photos). Published by the American Society of Civil Engineers, and written by a practicing structural engineer with 50 years of experience. In the summer of 1893, at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, an engineering marvel was unveiled and immediately captured the world's attention. George W.G. Ferris Jr. and his wheel helped usher America-eager to identify itself with ingenuity, entrepreneurialism, and innovation-into the twentieth century. Yet the very wheel that came to define George Ferris in the end consumed him, leaving him ruined. Selected Chapter Points: Foreword (Norman D. Anderson); Legendary He Was; Westward to the Colonies; Taming the Prairie; Carson Valley to Troy; Founding of a Firm; Building Big Bridges; Piercing Challenge; Incredible Wheel; Lawsuits & Ruin; Aftermath-Epilogue; G. Ferris' Family Tree; Index. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Excellent. |
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[BOOK 356] NICK EVANS: DREAMLAND REMEMBERED - 90TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION. [2009] (21x27cm - 130 Pages - Many B&W and colour photos). Margate's Dreamland Park opened in July 1920 and millions flocked to enjoy its attractions in the decades that followed. A visit to the Kent coastal resort wasn't complete without a ride on the famed Scenic Railway, the Looping Star, the Big Wheel or the Dodgem cars. This edition updates and expands and celebrates the Park's 90th anniversary. With 250 illustrations -from earliest days to the latest ideas- to help create a heritage theme park. Chapter Points: Introduction; First Awakenings 1863-1919; Making The Dream Come True 1920-1945; Post War Revival 1946-1969; New Brooms Herald a New Era 1970-1981; The Bembom Years 1982-1995; To the Millennium & Beyond 1996-2010; Dreamland in Colour; Acknowledgements. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Excellent / Recommended. |
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[BOOK 357] STEVE LIEBOWITZ: SHOWPLACE OF THE NATION - STEEL PIER - ATLANTIC CITY. [2009] (25x29cm - 266 Pages - Many B&W and colour photos). For much of the 20th century it was the centre of American entertainment on the East coast. There were big bands, movies, sideshows, acrobats, flagpole sitters, Frank Sinatra, Miss America - and throngs of people watching brave horses and riders dive into a pool. It was aptly called the Showplace of the Nation and it was all that and more. It was Steel Pier (Atlantic City, New Jersey). Chapter Points: Beginning of the "World's Playground"; Amusement Piers - The New Attraction; Steel Pier's Early Years; The Minstrel Shows; Frank Gravatt - Entrepreneur & Innovator; George A. Hamid - Top Showman; Entertainers Hit the Stage; Orchestras and the Big Bands; World Famous Diving Horses; Wacky Stunts and Exhibits; There She is - Miss America...; Kids In the Audience & On Stage; Movies & Hollywood Attractions; Easter Sunday on the Pier; Inside a Landmark Resort; The End of an Era and an Icon; Epilogue; Acknowledgments; Bibliography; Index. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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