THE INCREDIBLE SCREAM MACHINE - A History of the Roller Coaster
ROLLER COASTER - Wooden and Steel Coasters, Twisters and Corkscrews
By Robert Cartmell
ISBN 0-987972-342-1 (1987)
One of the best researched and put together books on the subject of the humble roller coaster. Has extensive details, rare facts and historic information. An essential book in any collection, however, only second hand copies can now be obtained.
By David Bennett
ISBN 0-7858-0885-X (1998)
Wonderful, glossy book packed with colour photos. Has a nice overview followed by extensive details on some of the worlds best coasters and amusement parks. Also contains a small directory of the major parks in the world
THE ROLLER COASTER LOVERS COMPANION
ROLLER COASTERS
By Steven J. Urbanowicz
ISBN 0-8065-2309-3 (1997 & 2002)
Recently revised edition. Contains a brief history and lists some of the more important designers and companies behind the building of current and historic coasters. Contains a basic gazette of the major parks in the world and rates the coasters, plus some interesting American coaster tours.
By Todd H. Throgmorton
ISBN 0-7864-0896-0 (2000)
This second edition covers coasters in the USA and Canada. Contains a basic history of coasters plus listings of all the major parks and their coasters. Black and White pictures only with interesting coaster facts at the end of the book
ROLLER COASTERS
WHITE KNUCKLE RIDES
By Mike Schafer & Scott Rutherford
ISBN 0-7603-0506-4 (1998)
Small but very informative full colour book. Again has a basic history but then concentrates on giving a comprehensive listing of nearly every coaster in the United States including pictures of most of them
By Mark Wyatt
ISBN 0-86101-870-2 (1996)
Full colour book, with a very short history. This book specialises on providing details and pictures of some of the worlds best coasters. Not much in the way of text, but some excellent photos.
By Dale Samuelson
ISBN 0-7603-0981-7 (2001)
Well written and mostly in full colour, one of my favourite books. Specialises in the history of American Parks in great depth and with accuracy. A fascinating read with some truly fantastic historic photos of many lost parks and coasters. A must have for any collection.
By Scott Rutherford
ISBN 0-7603-0689-3 (2000)
From the same publisher as the American Amusement Park. This book covers the Roller Coaster in exactly the same way. Looking at the history and development in the United States, but does not forget its European cousins. A must for anyone with an interest in the history of the Roller Coaster.
THE AMUSEMENT PARK GUIDE
GUIDE TO RIDE 2000
By Tim O'Brien
ISBN Various (1991,1997,1999,2001,2003)
Now in its 4th edition, This bi-annual book updates readers on all the amusement and water parks in the United States and Canada. Gives great visitor information for the parks including brief details, rides, opening times, price and recommended length of visit.
By ACE
ISBN 0-9703987-0-0 (2000)
A fantastic magazine style publication from ACE (American Coaster Enthusiasts). Packed with information, statistics and photos of all know Roller Coasters in the United States, Canada, Mexico and even Cuba.
THE GIANT DIPPER - A Pictorial History
ROLLER COASTERS - A Thrill Seekers Guide to the Ultimate Scream Machines
By Eric Young
1991
Collectors book on the history of probably the last remaining Prior & Church coaster in the world. Details in mostly pictures with a little text the rise, fall and restoration of the seaside classic
By Robert Coker
ISBN 0-7607-4107-7 (2002)
High impact glossy book with a brief history of our beloved roller coaster. Contains many full ride reports of some of the biggest and most famous coasters throughout the world.
THE GREAT AMERICAN AMUSEMENT PARK
THE AMERICAN STATE FAIR
By Gary Kyriazi
ISBN 0-8065-0525-7 (1976)
Anyone lucky enough to track down a copy of this book is in for a treat. It is like a time machine, with many of the detailed parks now closed or transformed into multi million dollar corporations. Includes some wonderfully rare photos and provides an account of the amusement industry on the verge of its second coming
By Derek Nelson
ISBN 0-7603-0656-7 (1999)
Americans love the State Fair and have been visiting these annual festivals since the beginning of last century. This book highlights the history, development, changes and amusements that go hand in hand with American culture. A great read.
TRACKING THE THRILLS - A Guide To North America RC Thrill Parks
RIPLEYS BELIEVE IT OR NOT - Amusement Park Oddities...
By Devin Olson
(2006)
In association with coaster-net.com this guide book lists and details 50 of the biggest Amusement Parks in North America. This nicely updates the best rides currently around and is a nice companion to anyone looking to visit a park or two over the next few years.
By Tim O'Brien
ISBN 978-1-893951-25-9 (2007)
Tim O,Brien is better known for his Amusement Park Guides but he has taken time out to put together this fun little book. Ripleys are famous for bringing the strange and bizzare to the public and this publication looks at the strange oddities and trivia of our beloved amusement parks and rides. Nice read.
AMERICAS BOARDWALKS - From Coney Island to California
By James Lilliefors
ISBN 0-8135-3805-X (2006)
Boardwalks are very traditionally American. From the East coast to the West there has been so many famous seaside centres built up along Americas coast. This book looks at the history of several both existing and long gone. Among the boardwalks covered are Atlantic City, Coney Island, Wildwood, Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach, Venice Beach + many others
