American Amusement Park
by Dale Samuelson, Wendy Yegoiants

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Book Reviews of American Amusement Park

Book Review: A Book about Amusement Parks that is a Pleasure to Read
Summary: 5 Stars

The book details some of the curious attractions of the past; such as a simulator ride at Coney Island called "A Trip to The Moon", which, according to the author, actually convinced some of its passengers, they had been on a space flight! It is the descriptions of specific, rather than general, rides that makes this book a fascinating read. Specific examples of big wheels, carousels, fun houses and the mysterious "dark rides" are also covered.

The king of the amusement park is arguably the roller coaster so, appropriately, they are extensively covered in this book. In fact, the author manages to offer a lot of priceless pictures. There are many photos of the long-gone amusement piers with huge wooden coasters rising from them, plus glimpses of the ornate and elaborate "scenic railways" and the side-friction coasters that followed them. And no book or chapter on roller coasters would be complete without a look at the legendary Coney Island Cyclone! There is also a magnificent aerial photograph of a shuttle coaster looming 125ft from a New Jersey Pier.

Happily, The American Amusement Park gives examples of modern parks that have continued the traditional spirit, such as Kennywood and Cedar Point: places that offer older attractions alongside ultra modern ones.

I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in amusement parks, as an involving and enjoyable read.

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