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B R I T I S H  &  E U R O P E A N  B O O K S

BELLE VUE

THE BELLE VUE STORY

By Jill Cronin & Frank Rhodes

ISBN 0-7524-1571-9 (1999)

Images of England edition, all black and white photos with general information of the parks history from zoological gardens to its amusement park days which included the famous 'Bobs' coaster

 

By Robert Nicholls

ISBN 1-85216-070-5 (1992)

Wonderfully put together history of Belle Vue in Manchester. In a magazine style with cardboard cover this book has been fully researched and contains a history of the park along with some nice photos, and a full family history of the founding family of Belle Vue

 

BELLE VUE - MANCHESTERS PLAYGROUND

BLACKPOOL - CENTURIES OF PROGRESS

Manchester Evening News

ISBN 1-84547-092-3 (2005)

For over 150 years Belle Vue was the entertainment centre of the North West. This book documents its history through the eyes of the Manchester Evening News and their photo archives. Covering the zoo gardens, amusement park and speedway this is a nice book for those interested in one of Britain's  most loved lost parks

By Steve Palmer

ISBN 0-9536386-3-4 (1996)

This updated version is a great introduction to the enigma that is Blackpool. Blackpool is not just famous for its tower and pleasure beach and this book looks at all of the main attractions of this historic holiday resort. The book looks at the history of the town from the early 1700s to the turn of the new century. A must read for Blackpool fans

 

A HUNDRED YEARS OF FUN

A CENTURY OF FUN

By Peter Bennett

ISBN 0-9514677-1-9 (1996)

A brief history and photo archive on Blackpool Pleasure Beach. This paperback book was commissioned as a souvenir for the parks 100th anniversary. Contains many colour photos

 

By Peter Bennett

ISBN 0-9514677-2-7 (2003)

More comprehensive hardback book on the history of Blackpool Pleasure Beach. This collectors edition of the paperback version contains a full detailed history and more photos. The best book ever written about the Pleasure Beach and a must for any collection.

 

ROLLER COASTERS THEIR AMAZING HISTORY

ROLLER COASTERS SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL

By Robert Preedy

1992

Nice 62 page book detailing the history of coasters and amusement parks in the UK. Contains many rare photos and information previously unavailable on the British amusement industry

 

By Robert Preedy

1996

2nd book by Robert Preedy in the same format as his previous book. Contains more photos and new information gathered since his first release.

 

 

KURSAAL MEMORIES

DREAMLAND REMEMBERED

By Ken Crowe

ISBN 0-9544573-0-7 (2003)

Wonderful book on one of Britain's most famous amusement parks which closed in the 1980's. There are precious few books on British parks and this new release is a welcome addition. Contains a well researched history and loads of photos very rarely seen.

By Nick Evans

ISBN 0-9545252-0-5 (2003)

At last a publication documenting one of Britain's best loved amusement parks. Unfortunately Dreamland has been in the press for all the wrong reasons with the sale of the park and proposed removal of the Scenic Railway. Nick Evans has managed to bring back to life this once vibrant park with fully researched history.

 

100 YEARS AT SHIPLEY GLEN - The Story of the Glen Tramway

LINNANMAKI 50

By Michael .J. Leak

(2003)

Nice booklet, to tell the story of the Shipley Glen Tramway the oldest cable operated tramway in the British Isles. (not including cliff lifts) The book also includes information on the Shipley Glen Pleasure grounds which was home to a Switchback and currently home to the Aerial Slide, possible the oldest roller coaster in the world and certainly the oldest suspended coaster.

By Eeva-Kaarina Holopainen & Lasten Paivan Saatio

ISBN 952-91-1924-0 (2000)

Book celebrating 50 years of this famous Finnish park located in downtown Helsinki. Covers its history and includes many pictures that brings the park to life. The main history is in Finnish, but most of the picture captions are also detailed in English. A nice souvenir of the park

 

THE VIENNA GIANT FERRIS WHEEL

TIVOLI - OG VERDEN UDENFOR

By Jahn - Petritsch

(1989)

This book covers the history of the last remaining 'original' Giant Wheels. The wheel is situated in Prater Park, Vienna and this book details the history of the ride. Also includes brief history on the Prater itself which is one of the original 'City' Park that still operates today in the heart of the city.

By Luise Skak-Nielsen

ISBN 87-14-29691-8 (2000)

The inspiration for many modern parks including Disneyland Tivoli is one of the most beautiful parks in the world and its history stretches over 100 years. This book includes a full history (unfortunately this book is in Danish only) and 100s of historic and rarely seen photos. Worth the price just for the pictures and diagrams

 

TIVOLI - THE STORY OF THE FAIRYTALE GARDEN

PLEASURELAND MEMORIES

By Per Eilstrup & Ellen Dahl

ISBN 87-91087-54-6 (2005)

This tourist friendly slim guide gives an overview of this magical park. Tivoli is one of the last remaining 'city' amusement parks located in the heart of Copenhagen. Full colour publication giving a short history of the park and a tour overview guide for the 2005 season.

 

By Stephen Copnall

ISBN 0-9544573-3-1 (2005)

At last a publication that really looks into the history of one of Englands best loved amusement parks. Covering the early development of amusements in the seaside town of Southport, the book faithfully brings to life the highs and lows and growth of Pleasureland. Many never before seen photos accompany the detailed text, a must purchase for anyone interested in UK amusement history.

 

EUROPA PARK - PARK GUIDE

DRAYTON MANOR - Memories of a Family Fun Park

Park Guide

(2005)

Germanys biggest Theme Park comes to life in this Park Guide publication to celebrate Europa Parks 30th year in operation. Full colour glossy brochure detailing all the best that Europa Park has to offer including its 3 themed hotels. Includes several nice pages highlighting the history of the park and the Mack family.

 

By Fred Bromwich

ISBN 0-9552779-0-6 (2006)

When George and Vera Bryan opened Drayton Manor to the public in the 1950s little did they know it would grow into one of the UKs major theme parks. Now at last we have a book which documents the history of this popular Midlands park. This is a must purchase for anyone interested in the British Amusement Park industry.

WHITLEY BAY

BATTERSEA PARK PLEASURE GARDENS - Festival Of Britain 1951

By Eric Hollerton

ISBN 0-7524-1179-9 (1999)

Its not often to see an 'Images of England' book that shows a long lost historic English Amusement Park, but Whitley Bay was just that. This is the best book i have found to show the infamous 'Spanish City' in its heyday. The historic amusements may be long gone but the memories are still alive in this publication.

 

Guide Book

(1951)

A very rare publication that was sold for 'one shilling and sixpence' in 1951 to celebrate the 'Festival Of Britain' at Battersea Park. The guide shows all the activities available during the festival along with articles on the amusement section of the park. Some great 'adverts' of the day take you back to a time many may have forgotten.

RIDING ON RAINBOWS

TIVOLI GARDENS

By John K Walton

ISBN 978-0-9544573-6-5 (2007)

Its amazing to think there has never been a independent book on the history of one of the worlds most famous amusement parks. 'Riding On Rainbows' provides the public with a at last a detailed history on the Blackpool Pleasure Beach. For anyone interested the story of Britains favourite attraction should treat themselves to a copy of John Waltons book. A Great read.

 

By Harry Benson

ISBN 978-0-8109-9388-4 (2007)

A new book on the wonderful Tivoli Gardens. This is basically a lavish photo book, modern pictures from around this famous park. A small introduction is the only text you will find but if you have visited this park and want a pictorial memory of the sights then this is a nice book for your collection.