Since Roller Coasters: Their Amazing History came out in 1992, author Robert Preedy has been collecting new information and photographs sent to him by enthusiasts throughout the world. The interest in gravity rides is huge, but Robert Preedy identified a shortage of information, particularly about British coasters. This book is his contribution, and was published in the International Year of the Roller Coaster, 1996.

This book adds to the first one with new information about early coaster development in the UK. From switchback railways to figure eights, scenic railways and big dippers, Preedy has deliberately not brought the book up to date with coasters from the 1990s. He wanted the pioneer years to be recorded before  memories and photographs disappear. New steel coasters are for a separate book [Joyland Books directs readers with an interest in steel coasters to Roller Coaster by David Bennett]. This book features numerous classic coasters and amusement parks, including:

• Big Dipper, Blackpool Pleasure Beach

• Grand National, Blackpool Pleasure Beach

• Cyclone, Morecambe Pleasure Park (Frontierland)

• Scenic Railway, Barry Island Pleasure Park

• Cyclone, The Kursaal, Southend-on-Sea

• Big Dipper, Battersea Fun Fair

• Bobs, Belle Vue, Manchester

A wonderful collection of photographs and memories of the golden age of roller coasters in the UK. Recommended.

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