Numerous books and dvds exist on amusement parks. Here are some of the best resources I have found. My research and modeling of amusement parks would not have been posssible without these publications. To order, check Amazon, Gunther Hall, and Rollercoaster Media Library.
ROLLER COASTERS, FLUMES AND FLYING SAUCERS - Robert R. Reynolds - 1999
Anyone that has marveled at the wonder of amusement rides and how they work will find all the answers in this complete documentation of two of the greatest amusement ride designers to ever walk the earth. Ed Morgan and Karl Bacon, the individuals known for their ground breaking rides at Arrow Dynamics, take us through many of their triumphs (and not-so-triumphs) over the years that changed the face of amusement park rides. You are taken through an in-depth tour of the attractions built for Disneyland in the 50's, as well as many of Arrow's other famous innovations like the log flume and mine train, plus the corkscrew roller coaster in 1975 (the first to turn people upside down since the late 1800's).
THE AMERICAN ROLLER COASTER - Scott R. Rutherford - 2000
The most amazing collection of photos from coasters both old and new. You won't believe the quality of the images from the 60's and 70's!! A MUST HAVE!!
ROLLER COASTERS - Mike Schafer and Scott Rutherford- 1998
An incredible 96 page journey in COLOR through the best coasters in the US. Included are RARE, great quality shots of defunct coasters, as well as early photos of parks we know well today.
ROLLER COASTERS or "I had so much fun I almost puked!" - Nick Cook - 1998
The perfect addition to the books above, this helpful collection of photos and diagrams illustrates how coasters work and why they do what they do to the human body! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for the beginning coaster enthusiast!
THE AMUSEMENT PARK GUIDE: COAST TO COAST THRILLS - Tim O'Brien - 1999
Tim O'Brien is one of the amusement park industry's leading writers and photographers, supplying images and information for several publications. This is the best combination of his passion for theme parks and handy advice. Included are park locations and hours, rides, and details explaining each type of coaster. A must for travelers.
WHITE KNUCKLE RIDE - Mark Wyatt - 1996
A rich and colorful look at some of the most thrilling coasters ever built. Complete with statistics and information unique to each ride.
ROLLER COASTERS OF AMERICA - Todd H. Throgmorton - 1994
Though it is fully black and white, the images are stunning and the descriptions are very well written. Also unique is its chronology of coasters still operating, as well as artist's renderings and computer layouts of coasters!
The "Bible" of roller coasters. Wonderfully written and illustrated with stories, history, artwork, construction photos, diagrams, patents, and everything else! Hard to find, but worth the effort! It even has documentation of the building of The American Eagle at Great America in Illinois - my home park.
Both of these books are available at Kennywood park, and I cannot say enough about them. If you are even the slightest bit thrilled at the thought of a visit to Kennywood, then you most likely have been blessed by a visit to one of the greatest parks in the world. You will treasure the memories and fantastic photos that grace the pages of these wonderful documentations.
My favorite amusement park video! Wonderfully narrated and produced, this video doesn't focus on world records and big name parks, rather it takes you through parks of all shapes and sizes, through all parts of the country. You'll see places you never knew existed, and rides you'd never think of going on! Some of the best rides, food and shows in the world can be found at these great old amusement parks. Frequently seen on PBS.
This park wasn't always about roller coasters. Take a step back in time to days when a simple trip to the beach was treasured. Or a spin on the Skywheel. And what about the construction of Oceana and Frontiertown? All this and more can be found in this high quality documentary of "The Amazement Park"!
Coney Island of Cincinnati was truly the premier park of the midwest. It thrived like no other in the area, and eventually succumbed to it's own success. In 1972 many of the attractions were reopened 25 miles to the north at a park we know as Kings Island. The original Coney still exists with lots of picnics and some rides, but it will never be the same. This video captures the pure Coney experience better than any other resource I have seen.
The perfect addition to the books above, this is a sad but glorious look at one of the most famous parks in the world, from the beginning until it's death in 1969. Very helpful if you plan on visiting the site, which is still accessible as a state park. Please visit my Defunct Parks page for more information on Euclid Beach Park.
This is the first of several productions that feature some of the most exciting thrill machines in the world. Look for the other "America's Greatest" and "World's Greatest" titles in a store near you. All of them feature a 3-D segment for each ride!
The movie that started it all! Filmed at 3 theme parks in the mid 70's, this is the story of a mad bomber that will stop at nothing to get money, and attention. Rides of interest are Rebel Yell at Kings Dominion and Revolution at Magic Mountain. You'll see these parks in their early years, which is a delight if you remember going there then. This movie is non stop action and heart pounding suspense. This movie prompted the start of the world renowned coaster and park enthusiast organization, the American Coaster Enthusiasts (which has over 7,000 members worldwide!).
ROLLER COASTER - David Bennet - 1998
THE INCREDIBLE SCREAM MACHINE - Robert Cartmell - 1987
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KENNYWOOD & MORE KENNYWOOD MEMORIES - Charles J. Jaques, Jr. - 1982 / 1998
DVDs
GREAT OLD AMUSEMENT PARKS - 1999
REDISCOVER IDORA PARK - 1992Northeast Ohio had several parks, and Idora Park in Youngstown outlasted all but Geauga Lake. A great companion to the book "Idora Park - The Last Ride of Summer". This takes you from the park's beginning, to its tragic demise following the 1984 fire that engulfed several rides and the heart of the park. The famous Jack Rabbit and Wildcat live on in this great film.
KENNYWOOD MEMORIES - 1988Available at the park, this award winning video is the perfect addition to the above books. A MUST for any fan of this park. It showcases in exquisite detail the many qualities that make this park what it is. Included is behind the scenes footage with maintenance and ride operators, plus the Laser Loop shuttle coaster!
CEDAR POINT MEMORIES -
GREETINGS FROM CONEY ISLAND - 1993
EUCLID BEACH PARK IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - 1991
AMERICA'S GREATEST ROLLER COASTER THRILLS (in 3-D) - 1994
ROLLERCOASTER - 1977
ALL images copyright Brad Sherman unless noted otherwise. Logos copyright their respective sources.