The Incredible Scream Machine: A History of the Roller Coaster

by Robert Cartmell

Both of these books are published under the University of Wisconsin Press' Popular Press imprint. In 1984, America celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the first successful roller coaster device - La Marcus A. Thompson's switchback railway - erected at Coney Island. Although more than a century has gone by, the literature of the amusement park and its history is still in its infancy. Robert Cartmell examines every phase of roller coaster history, from the use of the roller coaster by Albert Einstein to demonstrate his theory of physics, to John Allen's use of psychology in designing one.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

258 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 1987

Reviews

[George Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply a must-have for any fan of roller coasters and theme parks.

The research is unparalleled.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books and roller coasters are two of my absolute favorite things, and here they come together. This is a book that really covers the history of roller coasters. I already knew much of it but I did pick up new information from this book. It’s not the most up to date book about coasters though, and the appendix was rather dry, which cost it a star. Still, it’s a must read for the coaster enthusiast.

[MagicDave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roller coaster riding was a fun pastime for me as a younger man, and reading about the history of this unique amusement park attraction was almost as much fun as riding one. Great book!

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it interesting at the time, being the roller coaster fanatic that I am. But so many good coasters have been built since this book was published and they've changed history. Still worth reading for roller coaster fans who want information about the inception of this wonderful invention.