Tales from the Towers: the Unofficial Story Behind Alton Towers, Britain's Most Popular Theme Park

Tales from the Towers: the Unofficial Story Behind Alton Towers, Britain's Most Popular Theme Park PDF Author: Nick Sim
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781492377160
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
Discover the amazing true story behind the world's most extraordinary theme park! A two hundred-year-old mansion, decaying and largely abandoned. A deep, foreboding valley hosting pretty gardens and dozens of bizarre and unusual structures. A terrifying plunge into Oblivion, and a mysterious alien beast known as Nemesis. All of these things can be found in one truly unique place: Alton Towers. But how on earth did they get there? The story behind the UK's most popular theme park is just as thrilling and full of twists and turns as the rollercoasters that attract millions to the park every year. Prepare to be sucked into a tale of daring invention, personal tragedy, wanton destruction and brilliant creative minds... "While in reality, this is a work of non-fiction, recounting true events and factual details, it captivates and engages readers like a fantasy story." - Airgates Attraction News Two hundred years ago, a wealthy earl began the transformation of a barren patch of land in rural Staffordshire into the site of a stunning gothic mansion surrounded by eye-wateringly beautiful gardens. Mocked and ridiculed by his peers for his strange tastes and outlandish ideas, he nevertheless succeeded in attracting people from far and wide to come and marvel at his creations. Less than 50 years later, the house stood desolate and empty. The genius architect who had helped the earl's successor complete his vision lay dead at 40, having spent many of his final months incarcerated in London's brutal Bedlam mental asylum. How had the mighty fallen so far, so fast? It didn't end there. The earl's descendants fought bitterly over Alton Towers - and with each other - until finally the near-ruined property was sold into private hands in the 1920s. In "Tales from the Towers", you can experience what it was like to visit the estate in its early years as a tourist attraction, when spectacular fetes, fairground rides and exotic animals were all part of the appeal. As well as documenting - for the first time - the full and fascinating history of Alton Towers, "Tales from the Towers" also explains exactly how the park's most popular rides - such as Nemesis, Oblivion and The Smiler - were created. It even takes an in-depth look at rides that were designed for the park but never built, enabling you to take a voyage of discovery and imagine what might have been. What reviewers say about "Tales from the Towers" "This excellent book may call itself the UNOFFICIAL story behind Alton Towers, but actually it has the merit to become the OFFICIAL story. It is meticulously researched, well-written, and highly insightful. I had assumed that I would find within the sections of the story that involved my work many inaccuracies and myths, but nothing could be further from the truth. It tells the story exactly as I remember it happening!" - John Wardley, creator of Nemesis, Oblivion and Air "This is a book that anyone interested in Alton Towers should get their hands on." - Adam Perry, AltonTowersMemories.net "The book adds a new depth to the Alton Towers experience, and is a must-read for any park fan." - Airgates Attraction News "The level of detail about the park is incredible, everyone will enjoy it." - RideRater.co.uk Grab your copy now! "Tales from the Towers" is available in paperback format, or you can download it instantly to your Amazon Kindle or on your tablet or smartphone. You can even start reading right away for FREE by clicking the "Look Inside" button above or by downloading a sample to your Kindle. What are you waiting for? Start reading now and enjoy an adventure through time as you discover how Alton Towers developed into a place that has entertained tens of millions of people over nearly two centuries.

Tales from the Towers: the Unofficial Story Behind Alton Towers, Britain's Most Popular Theme Park

Tales from the Towers: the Unofficial Story Behind Alton Towers, Britain's Most Popular Theme Park PDF Author: Nick Sim
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781492377160
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 348

Get Book Here

Book Description
Discover the amazing true story behind the world's most extraordinary theme park! A two hundred-year-old mansion, decaying and largely abandoned. A deep, foreboding valley hosting pretty gardens and dozens of bizarre and unusual structures. A terrifying plunge into Oblivion, and a mysterious alien beast known as Nemesis. All of these things can be found in one truly unique place: Alton Towers. But how on earth did they get there? The story behind the UK's most popular theme park is just as thrilling and full of twists and turns as the rollercoasters that attract millions to the park every year. Prepare to be sucked into a tale of daring invention, personal tragedy, wanton destruction and brilliant creative minds... "While in reality, this is a work of non-fiction, recounting true events and factual details, it captivates and engages readers like a fantasy story." - Airgates Attraction News Two hundred years ago, a wealthy earl began the transformation of a barren patch of land in rural Staffordshire into the site of a stunning gothic mansion surrounded by eye-wateringly beautiful gardens. Mocked and ridiculed by his peers for his strange tastes and outlandish ideas, he nevertheless succeeded in attracting people from far and wide to come and marvel at his creations. Less than 50 years later, the house stood desolate and empty. The genius architect who had helped the earl's successor complete his vision lay dead at 40, having spent many of his final months incarcerated in London's brutal Bedlam mental asylum. How had the mighty fallen so far, so fast? It didn't end there. The earl's descendants fought bitterly over Alton Towers - and with each other - until finally the near-ruined property was sold into private hands in the 1920s. In "Tales from the Towers", you can experience what it was like to visit the estate in its early years as a tourist attraction, when spectacular fetes, fairground rides and exotic animals were all part of the appeal. As well as documenting - for the first time - the full and fascinating history of Alton Towers, "Tales from the Towers" also explains exactly how the park's most popular rides - such as Nemesis, Oblivion and The Smiler - were created. It even takes an in-depth look at rides that were designed for the park but never built, enabling you to take a voyage of discovery and imagine what might have been. What reviewers say about "Tales from the Towers" "This excellent book may call itself the UNOFFICIAL story behind Alton Towers, but actually it has the merit to become the OFFICIAL story. It is meticulously researched, well-written, and highly insightful. I had assumed that I would find within the sections of the story that involved my work many inaccuracies and myths, but nothing could be further from the truth. It tells the story exactly as I remember it happening!" - John Wardley, creator of Nemesis, Oblivion and Air "This is a book that anyone interested in Alton Towers should get their hands on." - Adam Perry, AltonTowersMemories.net "The book adds a new depth to the Alton Towers experience, and is a must-read for any park fan." - Airgates Attraction News "The level of detail about the park is incredible, everyone will enjoy it." - RideRater.co.uk Grab your copy now! "Tales from the Towers" is available in paperback format, or you can download it instantly to your Amazon Kindle or on your tablet or smartphone. You can even start reading right away for FREE by clicking the "Look Inside" button above or by downloading a sample to your Kindle. What are you waiting for? Start reading now and enjoy an adventure through time as you discover how Alton Towers developed into a place that has entertained tens of millions of people over nearly two centuries.

Making Thorpe Park

Making Thorpe Park PDF Author: Chris Atkinson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 330

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Book Description
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Well researched and revealing - John Wardley Making Thorpe Park chronicles from the very beginning to the present day. Get the complete story behind classics such as Loggers Leap and Thunder River, to modern beasts such as Stealth, Saw and The Swarm. It's an engrossing tale of fierce rivalries, massive gambles, and constant evolution. The story behind every ride in the park's 40+ year history Revealing new and long forgotten fascinating facts Chronicling the past, present and future of the UK's first theme park The crazy stunts and ideas to promote the park and rides THE FULL BIG, ENORMOUS, GIANT, HUMONGOUS, GREAT JOURNEY

Bollocks to Alton Towers

Bollocks to Alton Towers PDF Author: Alex Morris
Publisher: Penguin UK
ISBN: 0141905999
Category : Humor
Languages : en
Pages : 299

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Book Description
The British Lawnmower Museum, Keith Harding's World of Mechanical Music and Mad Jack's Sugar Loaf. In a world of theme parks, interactive exhibits, over-priced merchandise and queues, don't worry, these are names to stir the soul. Reassuring evidence that there's still somewhere to turn in search of the small, fascinating, unique and, dammit, British. In a stumbling journey across the country in search of the best we have to offer our intrepid heroes discovered dinosaurs in South London, a cold war castle in Essex, grown men pretending to be warships in Scarborough, unexplained tunnels under Liverpool and a terraced house in Bedford being kept warm for Jesus's return. And along the way they met the people behind them all: enthusiasts, eccentrics and, you know, those who just sort of fell into looking after a vast collection of gnomes ... Makes you proud!

Universal Orlando: the Unofficial Story

Universal Orlando: the Unofficial Story PDF Author: Nick Sim
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781494739867
Category : Amusement parks
Languages : en
Pages : 340

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Book Description
Discover the amazing true story behind the world's most thrilling theme park resort! In the late 1980s, Universal decided to construct its first real theme park - right in Disney's backyard of Orlando, Florida. At the time, the company had never built a single theme park ride. Many predicted that it would be a disaster. It very nearly was. On Universal Studios Florida's opening day in 1990, all three of its major rides malfunctioned. Thousands of guests demanded refunds. And it got worse from there - eventually, the $30 million Jaws ride was closed permanently. It was three years and a further $40 million before it would reopen. Through a combination of outrageous risk-taking, technical ingenuity and sheer persistence, Universal eventually carved out its own niche in Orlando. For the first time, "Universal Orlando: The Unofficial Story" reveals how the resort's incredible, ground-breaking rides were created, from Kongfrontation to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Go behind the scenes at Universal Orlando! How was King Kong's banana breath generated? How hot are the flames in Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride? How does the The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man's "falling" effect work? What are the rocks underneath Hogwarts Castle made of? Does filming really take place on the streets of Universal Studios Florida? Whatever your questions about Universal Orlando, this book has the answers! Enhance your Universal Orlando visit As well as detailing the amazing special effects that are employed by the rides at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, "Universal Orlando: The Unofficial Story" is also packed with hidden secrets that you can look out for during your next visit. Want to know where you can rent a time machine, or how to boost your score on Men in Black: Alien Attack? Look no further! What reviewers say about "Universal Orlando: The Unofficial Story" "Universal Orlando: The Unofficial Story is the only book currently available that covers the complete history and creation of the resort, from the onset to the present day. I was a bit skeptical because it is a self-published book but I was blown away with how good it was." - Amusement Authority "Universal Orlando: The Unofficial Story is the ultimate book about the creation and development of the Universal Orlando Resort. Relive the history of the resort from conception through the present day including all the bumps in the road along the way." - Coaster101.com Grab your copy now! "Universal Orlando: The Unofficial Story" is available in paperback format, or you can download it instantly to your Amazon Kindle or a Kindle app on your tablet or smartphone. You can even start reading right away for FREE by clicking the "Look Inside" button above or by downloading a sample to your Kindle. What are you waiting for? Start reading now and enjoy an adventure through time as you discover how Universal Orlando developed into a place that has entertained tens of millions of people over more than two decades.

Creating My Own Nemesis

Creating My Own Nemesis PDF Author: John Wardley
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781941500651
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 182

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Book Description
How John Wardley Put the Thrill into British Theme Parks. Everyone knows Disneyland, but few Americans can name a single British theme park. Come across the pond to meet the UK's John Wardley, whose exciting career as an innovator of dark rides and roller coasters began with a simple magic trick.

The Watchers

The Watchers PDF Author: Helen Cresswell
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
ISBN: 9780027253719
Category : Amusement parks
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Two runaway children hide out in a theme park and become enmeshed in an unearthly battle between the forces of good and evil.

Smoke and Mirrors

Smoke and Mirrors PDF Author: Michael Eley
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781490417080
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 118

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Book Description
When the UK theme park Alton Towers invested millions of pounds in their ground-breaking Haunted House, a new era of dark rides was born. The spectacular attraction amazed and spellbound theme park enthuisasts and dark ride fans for many years, with its breath-taking illusions and state-of-the-art technology. The original concept was retired in 2002 to make way for the interactive zombie blaster, Duel. However, the Haunted House left a lasting impression on some of those intrepid riders who braved the Poltergeist Room and were scared witless by the Grand Hallway's grinning demon.Michael P Eley was one of those riders. Through the pages of this book he will guide you back into the darkness, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the making of creator John Wardley's 'laff in the dark' attraction, as well as serving up a brief history of dark rides and haunted houses.

The Best Democracy Money Can Buy

The Best Democracy Money Can Buy PDF Author: Greg Palast
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 110121323X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 407

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Book Description
"Palast is astonishing, he gets the real evidence no one else has the guts to dig up." Vincent Bugliosi, author of None Dare Call it Treason and Helter Skelter Award-winning investigative journalist Greg Palast digs deep to unearth the ugly facts that few reporters working anywhere in the world today have the courage or ability to cover. From East Timor to Waco, he has exposed some of the most egregious cases of political corruption, corporate fraud, and financial manipulation in the US and abroad. His uncanny investigative skills as well as his no-holds-barred style have made him an anathema among magnates on four continents and a living legend among his colleagues and his devoted readership. This exciting collection, now revised and updated, brings together some of Palast's most powerful writing of the past decade. Included here are his celebrated Washington Post exposé on Jeb Bush and Katherine Harris's stealing of the presidential election in Florida, and recent stories on George W. Bush's payoffs to corporate cronies, the payola behind Hillary Clinton, and the faux energy crisis. Also included in this volume are new and previously unpublished material, television transcripts, photographs, and letters.

Salt Sugar Fat

Salt Sugar Fat PDF Author: Michael Moss
Publisher: Signal
ISBN: 0771057091
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 461

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Book Description
From a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter at The New York Times comes the troubling story of the rise of the processed food industry -- and how it used salt, sugar, and fat to addict us. Salt Sugar Fat is a journey into the highly secretive world of the processed food giants, and the story of how they have deployed these three essential ingredients, over the past five decades, to dominate the North American diet. This is an eye-opening book that demonstrates how the makers of these foods have chosen, time and again, to double down on their efforts to increase consumption and profits, gambling that consumers and regulators would never figure them out. With meticulous original reporting, access to confidential files and memos, and numerous sources from deep inside the industry, it shows how these companies have pushed ahead, despite their own misgivings (never aired publicly). Salt Sugar Fat is the story of how we got here, and it will hold the food giants accountable for the social costs that keep climbing even as some of the industry's own say, "Enough already."

History of the 113th Field Artillery, 30th Division

History of the 113th Field Artillery, 30th Division PDF Author: Arthur Lloyd Fletcher
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : World War, 1914-1918
Languages : en
Pages : 274

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Book Description