The rollercoaster is usually the main attraction of any amusement or theme park & this book outlines the history of these fascinating structures. From the first mass-produced rollercoaster the Switchback Railway through to the giant wooden coasters of the inter-war period the author uses historic postcards & photographs to chart their development & that of other amusement rides including revolving towers aerial rides Ferris wheels & water chutes all of which were produced from the late Victorian era in myriad forms. Essential to the very existence of such amusement venues as Blackpool Pleasure Beach Southend Kursaal & Margate Dreamland these much-loved rides are not so far removed from their modern-day equivalents as they might at first appear.