Amusement Park and Ride Books

Guide to Ride by Allen Ambrosini and Randy Geisler, American Coaster Enthusiasts
A list of all the roller coasters in North America with directions and plenty of statistics.

Guide to Ride Update 1992-1995 by Lisa Scheinin, American Coaster Enthusiasts
An update to the above volume listing new rides and changes.

Roller Coaster Fever by John Waldrop, Richard Munch and Jon-Michael Reed
This was the book that coaster fanatics lived by, with directions and statistics about all the roller coasters in North America. Has data on many long gone rides.

Amusement Park Guidebook 1987 Edition by James W. Reed
An out of print guide to all the major amusement parks in the US listing every ride in each park.

The Incredible Scream Machine, A History of the Roller Coaster by Robert Cartmell
This is THE book of all roller coaster books. The best reference to roller coaster history with tons of information and pictures.

The Coasters of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company by Charles J. Jacques, Jr.
Lists every roller coaster manufactured by this popular coaster manufacturer. Includes a wonderful history of the company.

The Carousels of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company by Charles J. Jacques, Jr.
Lists every carousel manufactured by PTC with plenty of company history.

Amusements for Parks Philadelphia Toboggan Company catalog reprint by Amusement Park Journal
A small catalog introducing the amusements that the Philadelphia Toboggan Company offered.

Harry G Traver: Legends of Terror by Richard Munch
Copyright 1992 American Coaster Enthusiasts. ISBN 0-935408-02-9
Published by Amusement Park Books, Inc., 20925 Mastick Rd., Fairview Park, OH 44126
Details the life and rides of Harry Traver, who created some of the most wicked roller coasters ever made as well as some other popular amusement park rides.

Books about specific parks

Berksiana 1776-1976 by Charles Schuyler Castner
One chapter concerns happenings at Carsonia Park, Berks County, Reading, PA.

Central Park, The Beautiful (author unknown)
A rather small book of mostly pictures about Central Park in Rittersville, PA.

Conneaut Lake Park - The first hundred years of fun by Lee O. Bush and Richard Hershey
Copyright 1992 Amusement Park Books, Inc. ISBN 0-935408-04-5
Published by Amusement Park Books, Inc., 20925 Mastick Rd., Fairview Park, OH 44126
A very detailed book of Conneaut Lake Park (Conneaut Lake, PA) including many fantastic photographs.

Goodbye Westview Park Goodbye by Charles J. Jacques, Jr.
Excellent history of Westview Park (Pittsburgh, PA). This book has same attention to detail that the author provides in all his books.

A History of Lakemont Park 1894-1989 by Lakemont Park Historical Museum, Inc.
Traces the history of Lakemont Park (Altoona, PA) from it's beginnings, through the Boyertown USA stage that almost destroyed the park, to the present Lakemont.

Kennywood, Roller Coaster Capitol of the World by Charles J. Jacques, Jr.
The author poured over Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA) archives to come up with this great detail packed book.

Mt. Gretna A Coleman Legacy by Jack Bitner
Mostly concerns the town of Mt. Greta, PA but also includes quite a bit on the amusement parks in the immediate area.

The Passing Scene Volumes 1-9 by George M Meiser IX and Gloria Jean Meiser
Lots of history and pictures of Carsonia Park as well as Pendora and other amusement centers around Reading PA. One of the best historical book series around.

Scranton Luna Park by Jack Hiddlestone
Highlights Luna Park of Scranton, PA as well as some information on other nearby parks.

© 1999 Joel W Styer. All rights reserved. Updated Tuesday, March 23, 1999
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