BOOKS
on the
GENERAL SUBJECT
of
AMUSEMENT PARKS
This section contains books that discuss mainly amusement parks or
the amusement business in general (as pertaining to parks) although
many have sections devoted to a specific park. There may also be
carnival information in some books. For more information, see other
categories in our Books. section, or look
under Videos.
THE FOLLOWING MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED
WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR ©
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THE AMERICAN AMUSEMENT PARK (2001)
By Wendy Yegoiants and Dale Samuelson. Discusses amusement parks
in the United States over the last century with 175 photos.
*(Highly Recommended. This is an excellent panoramic overview of
American amusement parks from the early 1900s to the present day,
with wonderful archival pictures, postcard reproductions and recent
photographs. The text is well-written and the paper is heavy glossy
stock, a very good value.) Book suggestion and review courtesy of
Seth Briliant of Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Published By:
MBI Publishing
ISBN: 0760309817
Price: $29.95. (U.S. Funds)
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THE AMERICAN AMUSEMENT PARK INDUSTRY: (1991)
"A History of Technology and Thrill"
By Judith Adams. Part of "Twayne's Evolution of American
Business" series, it traces the history of amusement parks
from the 1600s to the present. Trolley parks are discussed
from their start to eventual loss of popularity. The current
success of theme parks is covered, with the Disney Parks looked
at in particular. *(Recommended. Although somewhat lacking in
pictures, this book is quite detailed with a good overview of the
topics covered. Pleasure parks of Europe are discussed and how
they led to the landmark world's fair of 1893 in Chicago. Economic
aspects of the American worker are discussed and how they related
to disposable income that was spent on recreation. Selected parks
are detailed with examples of both traditional and modern theme
parks. On a sad note, the final days of Crystal Beach in Ontario,
Canada are discussed.)
THE AMERICAN AMUSEMENT PARK INDUSTRY
(Continued)
Published by:
Twayne Publishers
70 Lincoln Street
Boston, Massachusetts
U.S.A. 02111
ISBN: 0-8057-9821-8
Price: $24.95 (U.S. Funds)
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AMUSEMENT & THEME PARKS INDUSTRY (19 )
*(No Information)
Published By:
ISBN: 1891084364
Price: $59.00 (U.S. Funds)
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AMUSEMENT FACILITIES (19 )
*(No Information)
Published By:
ISBN: 4785800291
Price: $89.95 (U.S. Funds)
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AMUSEMENT PARK (1977)
By Robert Nathan. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Dial Press
New York, New York
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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AMUSEMENT PARKS (19 )
By Judy Alter. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN: 0531203042
Price: $22.50 (U.S. Funds)
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AMUSEMENT PARKS (19 )
By Joann and John Norris. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN: 0899507891
Price: $32.50 (U.S. Funds)
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AMUSEMENT PARKS OF AMERICA (1980)
"A Comprehensive Guide"
By Jeff Ulmer. A very thorough guide of 340 pages detailing
American amusement parks and entertainment centers.
Includes plan your visits. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published by:
ISBN:
Price:
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AMUSEMENT PARKS OF NEW YORK (2006)
By Jim Futrell. Another book from Jim, this one detailing over
two dozen parks in New York. A nice extra is a listing of
major rides in the state.
* (Not Reviewed.)
Published by:
ISBN:
Price:
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AMUSEMENT PARKS OF PENNSYLVANIA (2002)
By Jim Futrell and Tim O'Brien. This explores the classic amusement
parks of the state. The rides of yesteryear which are still
maintained, are discussed, as well as the new trends in the industry
represented by high-tech rides and water parks. This book starts
with a history of the amusement park, then surveys the industry
in Pennsylvania. Thirteen parks and a selection of smaller ones,
with information on their rides and attractions, follows.
Includes 100 vintage postcard images and photos. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Stackpole Books.
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price: $19.95 (U.S. Funds)
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AMUSEMENT PARKS PICTORIAL HISTORY (1998)
By ?. Profiles Pennsylvania amusement parks including:
Doodle Bug, Edgewood, Island Park, Knoebels, Lithia Springsm
Maysville and Rolling Green.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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AMUSEMENT PARKS, ROLLER COASTERS,
FERRIS WHEELS, AND COTTON CANDY (1997)
By Judy Alter. This publication traces amusement park
development from the 1893 World's Fair through trolley parks,
to modern theme parks. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Franklin Watts
New York
U.S.A.
ISBN: 0531203042
Price: $22.00 (U.S. Funds)
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AMUSEMENT PARK U.S.A. (1985)
By Brian Dykstra. This is a music book which features 16 songs
for piano. Some photos are included. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Hal Leonard
Fullerton, Cakifornia
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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ATLANTIC CITY (1979)
"125 Years of Ocean Madness"
By ?. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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THE BILLY BUTLIN STORY ( ? )
"A Showman to the End"
By Billy Butlin. Billy traces his life from his time as a
carnival operator to opening his chain of amusement parks.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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BRITISH AMUSEMENT PARKS: A HISTORY (2000)
By Nicholas James. *(No Further Information.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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A CENTURY OF FUN: (1993)
"A Pictorial History of
New England Amusement Parks"
By Bob Goldsack. This book profiles 30 parks in the northeast
United States including Canobie Lake, Lake Compounce,
Lincoln, Paragon, Old Orchard Beach, Revere Beach, Savin
Rock, Riverside and others. Lists New England Amusement Parks
Since 1890. It has over 350 photographs and postcard images.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Midway Museum Publications
Box 6477
Nashua, New Hampshire 03063
U.S.A.
ISBN: 1880545012
Price: $27.95 (U.S. Funds)
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CHICAGO'S GREAT AMUSEMENT PARKS: (To be Published)
"The Golden Age, 1893-1933".
By Stan Barker. This will cover from the 1893 World's Fair,
through the Golden Age of Chicago's turn of the century parks, to
the year that competition from the city's second world's fair, the
Century of Progress Exposition, caused White City to shut down,
leaving Riverview as Chicago's only amusement park. Other parks
expected to be included are Forest & Sans Souci Parks, The Chutes,
and Ferris Wheel Park *(Not Reviewed.) A proposed second volume
would cover midways and parks from 1933 up to the present-day.)
Published By:
Chicago Historical Society (Tentative)
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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CLEVELAND AMUSEMENT PARK MEMORIES (2004)
By David and Diane Francis. Discusses Cleveland Zoo Kiddie Park,
Euclid Beach Park, Geauga Lake, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Luna Park,
Memphis Kiddie Park, Puritas Springs Park and other parks. Includes
a list of other books for further reading.
* (Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Gray & Company
Cleveland, Ohio
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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DIXIE BEFORE DISNEY (1999)
By Tim Hollis. This book discusses tourist attractions in Florida
in the 1960s and earlier, before Walt Disney World opened. Panama
City Beach is profiled extensively. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN: 1578061180
Price: $25. (U.S. Funds)
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EARLY SOUTH JERSEY AMUSEMENT PARKS (1980)
By Shirley Baileys. This profiles nineteen parks in the area:
Alcyon, Almond Road, Almonesson, Burlington Island, Clementon Lake,
Germania, Grenloch, Lake Lenape, Lily Lake, Lincoln, Lubins Park,
Pillings Lake, Riverview Beach, Silver Lake, Tumbling Dam, Union
Lake, Washington Park, Whitaker, Woodlynne.
One reference shows the same book as being written by
Shirley Baileys and Jim Parkhurst and published in 1990.
A Sequel? * (Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
South Jersey Publishers
ISBN:
Price:
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FAIRGROUND ARCHITECTURE (1968)
"The World of Amusement Parks, Carnivals, and Fairs"
By David Braithwaite. *(No Further Information.)
Published By:
University Press
Lexington, Kentucky
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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FAIRGROUND ART (1985)
By Geoff Weedon and Richard Ward. Although primarily concerned
with carousels, this large book covers all aspects of amusement
park art, including sideshow banners, orchestrions, band organs
and carnival rides. *(The carousel coverage is especially
complete, dealing with German "karuselles," English roundabouts,
the famous Coney Island Steeplechase horse race ride, racing
derbies, and so on. All of the major American carousel
manufacturers are also covered in detail. A fine book.) Book
suggestion and review courtesy of Seth Briliant, Atlantic City.
New Jersey, U.S.A.
Published by: Price: $95 (U.S. Funds)
Abbeville Press (May now be found for
505 Park Avenue $30 - $45 U.S.)
New York, New York
U.S.A
ISBN: 0-89659-529-3
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FROM AMUSEMENT THRILLS TO SUMMERTIME CHILLS: (2001)
"The Rise and Decline of the Traditional American Amusement Park"
By Jennifer Wismer. Traces the rise of the traditional amusement
park as leisure time became a reality for many workers of the 18
and 1900s. This is taken through the decline of the 1930s and
40s. *(Not Reviewed.) Book suggestion courtesy of Victor Canfield
of Pennsylvania, U.S.A.)
Published By:
Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario
ATT # MQ63391]
Price:
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FUNLAND USA (1978)
By Tim Onosko. Describes the history of amusement parks and
includes a directory of U.S. parks and an interview with roller
coaster designer John Allen. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Ballantine Books
ISBN:
Price:
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THE GREAT AMERICAN AMUSEMENT PARKS: (1976)
"A Pictorial History"
By Gary Kyriazi. Parks are traced from European pleasure gardens
to modern America. Coney Island is addressed at length, then
selected parks are discussed by region. Disneyland and modern
theme parks are profiled in a chapter of their own and the book
ends with short reviews of 100 of the mid 70s best U.S. parks.
*(Recommended. Lots of good historic information here. Although
supposedly only about American parks, Crystal Beach, Ontario IS
mentioned but erroneously situated in Buffalo, New York! Photo
quality could be better as our copy's reproductions are too high
contrast, but this is not so severe as to make all detail lost.)
Published by: Price: $14.95 (U.S. Funds)
Castle Books
Carol Publishing Group ISBN: 0-8065-0525-7
120 Enterprise Avenue South
Secaucus, New Jersey 07094-1902
U.S.A.
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KIDDIELANDS: BUSINESS WITH A FUTURE (195?)
By ? This was put out by the Herschell company in the 1950s with
annual updates. *(Not reviewed.) A thanks to Mike Schulte of
Michigan for suggesting this book.
Published By:
Allen Herschell Company
ISBN:
Price:
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THE LONDON PLEASURE GARDENS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY (1896)
By Warwick Wroth. *(No Further Information.)
Published By:
Reprinted By: (1979)
Archon
Hamden, Connecticut
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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MARYLAND'S AMUSEMENT PARKS (2005 )
By Jason Rhodes. Details the state's amusement parks.
* (Not Reviewed.)
Published by:
Arcadia
ISBN: Unknown
Price: Unknown
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MUSEUMS AND AMUSEMENT PARKS
By (No Author Credited.) This is Volume 4 of the series "Display
Designs in Japan". *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Rikuyo Sha Publishing
ISBN: 4897371384
Price: $69.95 (U.S. Funds)
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OHIO'S AMUSEMENT PARKS IN VINTAGE POSTCARDS (2002)
By David and Diane Francis. This shows a history of Ohio parks from
1895 through the 1960s via postcard images. Captions are included.
Parks are Cedar Point, Euclid Beach, Idora Park, White City and many
less known ones. This is part of The Postcard History Series.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Arcadia Publishing
* skeller@arcadiapublishing.com
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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THE ORIENT STRIKES BACK (2000)
"A Global View of Cultural Display"
By Joy Hendry. Discusses Japan's theme parks. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
Berg
New York, New York
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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ORLANDO'S OTHER THEME PARKS: (1992)
"What to Do After You've Done Disney"
By Kelly Monaghan. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN: 1887140034
Price:
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THE OUTDOOR AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY: (1952)
"From Earliest Times to the Present"
By William Mangels. This book has been reprinted (1996) in limited
numbers. Mangels was an amusement ride designer/manufacturer who also
liked to document the industry's history. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Vantage Press
New York, New York
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price: $39.95 (U.S. Funds)
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THE PASSING SCENE (19 )
By George and Gloria Meiser. This is a series of books about
Reading, Pennsylvania with chapters on the amusement areas. It
features Carsonia and Pendora Parks. *(Not Reviewed)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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PENNIES BY THE SEA (2006)
"The Life and Times of Joyland Amusements"
By Nick Laister. Discusses the phenomenon of the seaside amusement
arcade around the history of Britain's Joyland Amusements in the
seaside resort of Bridlington. Based on interviews with people who
worked at Joyland and other arcades in Bridlington from the 1930s
to the present day, it tells how a glove seller from Sheffield
market turned a collection of sea-front buildings into a palace of
fun with slot machines, fairground rides and amazing sideshows.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Skelter Publishing
ISBN: 0954457358
Price: 13.99 (UK Funds)
-Pennies by the Sea
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THE PLAYFUL CROWD PLEASURE PLACES IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY [2005]
By G. Cross and J. Walton. Compares Blackpool Pleasure Beach and
Coney Island from 1900 onward. Shows the build up, the decline
and the rejuvination.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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POPULAR AMUSEMENT (1915)
By Richard Edwards. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Association Press
New York, New York
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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RHODE ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARKS (1998)
By Rob Lewis and Ryan Young. This explores the early parks of the
state through over 200 black & white images. Shows hand-operated
rides of the 1800s. Includes Aquidneck Island, Boyden Heights,
Crescent Park, Oakland Beach, Rocky Point, Vanity Fair, along
with close-by Massachusetts parks. 128 pages. Part of "The
American Century Series". *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Arcadia
Charleston, South Carolina
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price: $18.99 (U.S. Funds)
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ROCHESTER'S LAKESIDE RESORTS and AMUSEMENT PARKS (1999)
By Donovan Shilling. Details the past amusement parks around the
Rochester, New York area. Includes Glen Haven, Ontario Beach, White
City, etc. Part of the "Images of America" series, this book has
over 200 photos. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Arcadia
Charleston, South Carolina
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price: $18.99 (U.S. Funds)
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SAVIN ROCK (1998)
"An Illustrated History"
By Bennett Dorman. The defunct Connecticut park is profiled.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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SAVIN ROCK MEMORIES (1993)
By Gil Johnson and Bennett Dorman. The Connecticut park's history
is detailed. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price:
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THE SECRETS OF AMUSEMENT PARK GAMES... REVEALED! (1998)
By Brian Richardson. Contains information on winning carnival games
and discusses those to avoid. As an aside, a list of top 10 wooden
and steel roller coasters for 1999 is included. *(Not Reviewed.)
See Educational Books for more such books.
See Carnival Books for more such books.
Published By:
ISBN: 09 6696 5906
Price:
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SHOOTIN' THE CHUTES: (1989)
"Amusement Parks Remembered"
By Stephen H. Paschen. Features American parks: Beerside, Brady
Lake, Chippewa Lake, Euclid Beach, Geauga Lake, Gorge, High Bridge
Glens, Idora, Lakeside, Lakeview, Luna, Meyers Lake, Orchard Lake,
Randolph, Sandy Beach, Sea Lion, Silver Lake, Springfield Lake,
Summit Beach, Tuscora, White City. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published by:
Summit City Historical Society
ISBN: 0-9621895-0-2
Price: $4.95 (U.S. Funds)
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"STEP RIGHT UP, FOLKS!" (1974)
By Al Griffin. This details various aspects of the modern (1974)
amusement park including a chapter on roller coasters. Other
chapters deal with the hanky-panks (try-your-luck-games), flat rides,
concessions, etc. It ends with reviews of many U.S. parks as they were
over 25 years ago. *(Recommended. Despite some errors and omissions,
this book is great for those interested in associating rides with their
most common names. There are many pictures of a single ride with its
name in the caption. Some very similar, but different rides are shown,
which helps the reader to differentiate between them. A bonus is a list
with short descrptions of then recently defunct parks.)
Published by:
Henry Regency Company
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
ISBN: 0809290359
Price:
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THEME AND AMUSEMENT PARKS (19 )
By ? This book discusses amusement and theme parks around the world.
*(No Further Information.)
Published By:
ISBN:
Price: $43.00 (U.S. Funds)
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THEME PARK HEAVEN (1992)
By ? Examines the development of amusement parks and rides. Has
much on the Disney parks. Discusses the tie-ins of motion pictures.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Channel Four Television
ISBN:
Price: $43.00 (U.S. Funds)
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THEME PARKS OF THE GOLDEN STATE (2010)
By Alex Miller. From Fairyland to Disneyland and up to the
present, this book discusses the development of amusement
parks in California, U.S.A. 250 colour photos, maps and
illustrations fill this 128-page book.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Schiffer Publishing
ISBN:
Price: $19.99 (U.S. Funds)
Information from:
a.w.miller@hotmail.com
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TORONTO (1989 ?)
This book is borderline for this category but includes Canada's
Wonderland, Ontario Place, Centreville Amusement park, and The
Canadian National Exhibition, hence its inclusion here. It's a
picture book showing views of Toronto with areas like the Theater
District, CN Tower/Skydome, several of the forts in the area,
museums, and other tourist attractions. *(The pictures are nice and
reproduction quality is good. I especially like the day and night
shots of the now-gone "Flyer" coaster at The CNE. There is also
an excellent picture of Casa Loma at night.)
Published By: Price: $7.99 (Cdn. Funds)
Royal Specialty Sales
11 Industrial Street
Toronto, Ontario
M4G 1Z2
ISBN: 19713-9-89 ?
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TORONTO AND NIAGARA FALLS (1996)
This book is also borderline for this category. It is really about
the above locations and their surrounding area. However, Canada's
Wonderland and The Canadian National Exhibition are shown, hence this
book's inclusion here. *(Highly recommended. The pictures and photo
reproduction quality are tops. Views of Wonderland and The CNE are
here, but so are The CN Tower, Skydome, The Ontario Science Centre,
Toronto Zoo, Ontario Place, Eaton Centre, plus other shopping areas,
museums, and universities. The views of Niagara Falls are spectacular,
especially the night views with the coloured lighting on the water.
Write-ups accompany each photo spread.)
Published By: Distributed By:
Casa Editrice Bonechi ArtBooks & Souvenirs
Italy 1337 St Clare Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
ISBN: 88-8029-569-1 M6E 1C3
(416) 651-3310
Price: $14.95 (Cdn. Funds)
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TORONTO: THEN AND NOW (2000)
By Mike Filey and Rosalind Tosh. Yet another borderline book for
this category. However, it includes some Toronto Amusement Parks,
and, in particular, has a short section on Sunnyside.
*(Recommended. The photo reproduction is excellent and the
Sunnyside pages include some rare images.)
Published By: Price: $45.00 (Cdn. Funds)
Magic Light Publishing
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 5E1
ISBN: 1-894673-00X
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VARIATIONS ON A THEME PARK (1992)
Various Authors. Edited by Michael Sorkin. This collection of articles
looks at trends that have influenced parks in North America, and how
they in turn have influenced popular culture. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Hill and Wang
New York, New York
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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THE WAVEMAKER (2005)
By Tim O'Brien. A biography of George Millay who created
California's Magic Mountain, SeaWorld, and Wet 'n Wild.
*(Not Reviewed.)
Published By:
Ripley Publishing
Orlando, Florida
U.S.A.
ISBN:
Price:
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WILDWOOD BY THE SEA: (1997)
"The History of a Great Summer Resort"
Also: "The History of an American Resort" (1998)
By David Francis, Diane DeMali Francis, and Robert J. Scully.
Here is a walk through history on the boardwalk of the South
Jersey shore. People and events are represented from the
earliest use of this land site in the 1700s to the present
neon-lined, sprawling resort area laced with every kind of
recreation, entertainment, and amusement device imaginable.
450 photos. *(Not Reviewed.)
Published by: Price: $39.95 (U.S. Funds)
Amusement Park Books
20925 Mastick Road
Fairview Park, Ohio 44126
U.S.A.
ISBN:
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