tdub96 Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 Hey Robb! I've got a birthday coming up soon and my parents are always encouraging me to read , so I was wondering if you, or any one else in the forums, knows of some good, recent coaster books. The only good one I've found is the 'American Roller Coaster' by Scott Rutherford, and thats almost 10 years old. Thanks in advance! Taylor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airtime&Gravity Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I haven't seen any new coaster books, but I'd recommend Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making the Magic Real which came out last year. How can you make dreams come true? Or transform a fantasy into a colorful, exciting world that visitors can move through, touch, and enjoy? Such fabulous work is the daily business of Walt Disney’s Imagineers, a core group of creative and highly skilled professional wizards who combine imagination with engineering to create the reality of dreams that are the Disney theme parks. In this sequel to the bestselling Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making the Magic Real, the Imagineers serve up another dose of magic with an even closer look at who they are, what they do, and how they do it, illuminating their theories and explaining what tools they use, and where and how they use them. Contained within this deluxe tome are rough drawings, conceptual models, and behind-the-scenes stories showcasing Disney's newest attractions and innovations from the inside out. There’s also an exclusive peek into the Research and Development Lab to see what new magic will soon be appearing. The Imagineers will tell their own stories, as well–how they got there, what they do on a daily basis, what they show their friends in the parks, and how you can learn what it takes to become an Imagineer. Presented in a large, lavish format, this book is sure to be a must-have for every Disney collector. Amazon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace Of Spades Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Whether you love or hate Disney, I'd reccomend either of David Koeing's "Mouse Tails" Books, or his epic "Realityland", the latter being such an awesome story (about how Disney World went from grand to trash) that one often forgets it's a true story. Regardless, all three are fantastic reads for anyone, even those who can't stand the Disney parks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MayTheGForceBeWithYou Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 ^^It's around $45...pretty pricey. If you shell out the money for it, it's actually a good book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robmiester Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I got ^^^ for Xmas. It's an incredible book. I have the first one as well, and both are the best theme park related books I have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenbowl Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Andy Shine's website has a ton of books written about roller coasters and theme parks. He has rated them too. Take a look: http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDipper 80 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Another book that I have always enjoyed was Roller Coasters: A Thrill Seeker's Guide to the Ultimate Scream Machine by Robert Coker (better known as RoCo on these forums ). If you're into Cedar Point, there's always Cedar Point: Queen of American Watering Places, by David and Diane Francis. I'd also recommend Designing Disney by John Hench, or any of the Imagineering Field Guides, provided you are into Disney. If I think of more titles, I'll let you know. I have read so many books on the subject, yet I cannot think of any of their titles right now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walibi owner Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 how is your dutch?? this one is the best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groteslurf Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 ^ Indeed. I have that book and there are lots of beautiful pictures in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddie200330 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 http://www.guntherhall.com/ Check out this site, even though some of the books may be old and dated, they are still very good reads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tdub96 Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Wow, thanks a lot guys! I'll have to check some of these out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoopLover Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 1. The Roller Coaster Lover's Companion by Steven J. Urbanowicz (This book is old school but still good and has a ticky box thing for coaster counting) 2. The Disney Mountains: Imagineering At Its Peak! This is a great Disney book about...well...The Disney Mountains. The book goes into real depth of how the original concepts came around and takes you through the planning, building and interesting facts about some Disney mountain rides. 3. Walt Disney Imagineering: Making More Magic Real - I only have this sequel to the original. Simply put if you want to be an imagineer, this is the book for you. 4. Finally, I like to by Simon and Susan Venss's travel guides for Orlando and Paris. They give good Disney trip ideas and include some great tips! I hope this helps you...these are great reads! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chemical_echo Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 If you want fiction books you can try: Utopia by Lincoln Child A fantastic near-future amusement park is the setting for this techno-thriller by Child. Utopia, a Nevada amusement park extraordinaire, features several elaborate holographic theme worlds (like Camelot and Gaslight, which meticulously recreates Victorian England), all run by an ultrasophisticated computer system and serviced by robots. When a series of fluke accidents culminates in the near death of a boy on a Gaslight roller coaster, the Utopia brain trust calls in the original computer engineer, Dr. Andrew Warne. Warne arrives with his bristly 14-year-old daughter, Georgia, and sets to work solving the Gaslight problem, though he can't believe that the system is willfully malfunctioning, as the evidence seems to indicate. To complicate matters, Utopia's manager, Sarah Boatwright, is Warne's ex-girlfriend, and an obvious mutual attraction exists between Warne and Utopia systems controller Teresa Bonifacio. Just as Warne gets to work, violent attacks erupt all over the park, masterminded by an impassive psychopath known as John Doe and carried out by his cadre of henchmen, including a computer genius and a crack marksman. For three hours, Doe holds the park hostage, and Warne, Boatwright and Bonifacio race against the clock to foil his plans. I read that one awhile ago, and it was actually a pretty good read. There's actually quite a bit of technical terms in the novel that many people might not know about unless they know about roller coaster technology. Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Docotrow A lot of ideas are packed into this short novel, but Doctorow's own best idea was setting his story in Disney World, where it's hard to tell whether technology serves dreams or vice versa. Jules, a relative youngster at more than a century old, is a contented citizen of the Bitchun Society that has filled Earth and near-space since shortage and death were overcome. People are free to do whatever they wish, since the only wealth is respect and since constant internal interface lets all monitor exactly how successful they are at being liked. What Jules wants to do is move to Disney World, join the ad-hoc crew that runs the park and fine-tune the Haunted Mansion ride to make it even more wonderful. When his prudently stored consciousness abruptly awakens in a cloned body, he learns that he was murdered; evidently he's in the way of somebody else's dreams. Jules first suspects, then becomes viciously obsessed by, the innovative group that has turned the Hall of Presidents into a virtual experience. In the conflict that follows, he loses his lover, his job, his respect-even his interface connection-but gains perspective that the other Bitchun citizens lack. Jules's narrative unfolds so smoothly that readers may forget that all this raging passion is over amusement park rides. Then they can ask what that shows about the novel's supposedly mature, liberated characters. Doctorow has served up a nicely understated dish: meringue laced with caffeine. I just bought this book a few days ago and haven't started reading it yet, but my cousin swears by it and says it's a great book; especially if you love Disney. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABW Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 I really enjoy, Roller Coasters: A Thrill Seekers Guide to the Ultimate Scream by Rober Coker. I really enjoy this book for its pictures, commentary, and information it offers on roller coasters. It's also a book that I still read through often even though I've memorized pretty much every word in the book by now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoopLover Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 The only problem with coaster books is that they can easily get old and outdated. The internet has more to offer now. Don't get me wrong though they are great to have on a shelve! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Baynham Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Hi TPR Three very good books from 2010/2011. For scans of the covers, see: http://www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com/AmusementPark-Books-J.html * [bOOK 365] ALEX MILLER & BRYCE WALKER: CALIFORNIA THEME PARKS. [2010] (22x28cm - 128 Pages - Full colour). Amusement parks have been a staple of California recreation and entertainment for over a century. First appearing along the beaches and multiplying up and down the coastline, they ignited an industry that has grown and seen tremendous change and innovation. Discover how these magical places came to be, read the little-known secrets of each park and find out what makes them such memorable landmarks. Chapter Points: About the Authors; Foreword (Charles Canfield); Adventure City; Belmont Park; California's Great America; Castle Park; Children's Fairyland; Disneyland Park; Disney's California Adventure Park; Funderland; Gilroy Gardens; Knott's Berry Farm; Legoland; Pacific Park; Pixieland Amusement Park; Rotary Storyland and Playland; Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; Scandia Amusement Park; SeaWorld San Diego; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom; Six Flags Magic Mountain; Universal Studios Hollywood; Timeline. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Excellent / Recommended. * [bOOK 370] STEVE ALCORN: THEME PARK DESIGN - BEHIND THE SCENES WITH AN ENGINEER. [2010] (15x23cm - 212 Pages). Have you ever visited a theme park and wondered, "How did they do that?" At last there's a book that shows you. Take a peek behind the scenes with a theme park engineer. With insider stories from some of the world's greatest attractions, it's a breathtaking ride. Along the way you'll experience an attraction being designed, and even get some tips on how to become an Imagineer. Selected Chapter Points: Don't Panic... Yet; Be My Guest; Up and Running; What If We...?; Rides; Shows; Other Attractions; Concept; Why Story Is King; Fitting Story to Audience; A Dose of Reality; A Brainstorm; Directors and Producers; Writers; Artists; Media Design; Getting Started; Design; Construction; Commisioning; Meet the Engineers; Building Castles; Who's The Boss?; Types of Show Control; Monitoring, Safety and Maintenance; The Ride Control Engineer; All Things That Move; Safety; Video; Keep It Sounding Good; Lighting and Effects; Nuts and Bolts; Details, Details; Welcome to My Theme Park; Why Disneyland Will Fail; Building a City; Sweating the Details; Other Markets; Mickey's Ten Commandments; How Did I Get That Job?; A Wish List; A Parting Thought. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. * [bOOK 374] VANESSA TOULMIN: BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH -MORE THAN JUST AN AMUSEMENT PARK. [2011] (25x26cm - 146 Pages - Full colour). A wonderful book about a magical place, that has given and continues to give, pleasure to millions. This is the story of the World's Greatest Amusement Park -Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool, England). Chapter Points: Foreword -A Magical Place; Introduction -The Beach's International Importance; In The Beginning -Earl's Court By The Sea; Interwar Years -Entertainment For The Masses; Casino -A 1930s Masterpiece; Designers -Designing The Pleasure Beach; Postwar Prosperity -The Boom Years; Shows -Spectacular Live Performances; Roller Coasters -Faster, Faster, Faster; A Family Affair (By Amanda Thompson). Also features special pieces on: Maxim's Flying Machine, River Caves, Witching Waves, Noah's Ark, Fun House, Ghost Train, Joseph Emberton, Percy Metcalfe, Tom Purvis, Wild Mouse, Derby Racer, Arrow Dynamics, Valhalla, and Charles Paige. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Excellent / Recommended. * Simon Baynham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asimowalk Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Personally I didn't like Steve Alcorn's "Theme park Design" book. I'm not sure if it was just my copy, but there were a lot of grammatical mistakes in it. As for the content, there's a lot of nice facts, but I was hoping for more diagrams and pictures (which are non-existant) and more in-depth information. I ended up returning it for a refund. If you can get the book cheap, it's still a decent read I guess since I haven't come across too many books like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voyager6442 Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 I didn't see any recent threads about books, so I thought I'd revive this one. I had been looking for a good book about the technical aspects of coasters, and I found a great one: Roller Coasters, by Scott Rutherford. Chapter 3 is called Nuts and Bolts and has a wealth of technical information that brought joy to my coaster-loving heart. Has anyone read Roller Coasters, by Jenny Mackay? It sounds good from the writeup on Amazon.com, but it is a little pricey. Which books or magazines have you enjoyed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henry M Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 John Wardley autobiography is very interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCoasterKid211 Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 I very recently got a copy of Theme Park Design by Steve Alcorn, and I LOVE it! Highly recommended!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Peck Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 One amusement park book I highly recommend is called "Step right up folks" by Al Griffin and it's about the disappearing amusement parks in the late 60's and 70's. It's an old book going back to 1974, but it has some neat black and white photos and lists of parks that are now gone. It's not a photo-heavy book, but it's quite an interesting read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voyager6442 Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 I'm interested in learning more about how roller coasters and other rides work. Would anyone be able to recommend any books about: 1. Physics; 2. Mechanical engineering, or 3. Structural engineering? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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