Whether you are new or old to the hobby this book is for you. Anyone who is considering purchasing a pinball machine that was made in the 80s or 90s can make use of this guide. Pinball machines are complex units made of hundreds of different parts. Hopefully this book can guide you in making more intelligent purchasing decisions for a hobby that can quickly eat at your checkbook. Twenty of the top pinball machines are detailed in full color Tons of photos and information. Over 60 large pages.

Chronicles the history of pinball games from 1970 through 1981, one of pinball's most prolific eras. Hundreds of pinball machines from Gottlieb, Williams, Bally, Chicago Coin, and other manufacturers are showcased, along with descriptions, special features, historical significance, release dates, designers, and current values. Also features exclusive interviews with some of the pinball's greatest designers and artists. A wonderful reference and a tribute to all who were part of pinball's fascinating history.

Eagerly anticipated, this update of the highly regarded third book from pinball author Michael Shalhoub includes over 900 color photos and covers the most recent period in pinball history, from 1982 through 2011. Each chapter is devoted to a specific year and features descriptions, release dates, and historical background on the games released that year from manufacturers Gottlieb, Williams, Bally, Data East, Stern, Sega, and others. Current values are listed for each machine shown in the book. Interspersed with the games are stories and interviews with many of the legendary designers and artists who created them. Readers will gain fascinating insight into the planning that went into the games, how the designers and artists got their start in the industry, behind-the-scenes tales of life in the pinball world, and more. "Michael Shalhoub's Pinball Compendium is a great documentary of our business," says designer Steve Ritchie of the second book in the trilogy. Along with its two companion volumes (the first covering the 1930s-1960s and the second covering 1970-1981), this book is a must-have for all who love the sights and sounds of the world's great pinball machines.

Fifty vintage and contemporary pinballs are showcased, each with its own chapter outlining special features, historical information, game trivia, game rules, collectibility, graphic images, and current value. Over 600 full color photographs provide a complete visual of each game. Whole machine shots, close-ups, and ball's-eye-view images put enthusiasts right into the action. A must for pinball collectors, graphic artists, historians, and devotees of coin operated amusement games.

This fantastic book tells the detailed history of pinball games from the 1930s to the 1990s, including the evolution of all sorts of game features--from flippers and bumpers to sound, scoring, and tilt mechanisms--all immersed in the complex and magnificent artwork characteristic of pinball machines. Pinball manufacturing giants like Gottlieb, Williams, and Bally are well represented, in addition to several lesser-known and foreign manufacturers. With a listing of over 3,000 games built to date, statistics, updated pricing information, and over 900 color photographs (including close-ups, flyers, images of rare prototypes, and games never before seen in print), this is essential for the libraries of all pinball lovers. The pinball machine is here to stay--due in part to the exponential increase in the number of serious collectors and enthusiasts. What other modern amusement machine can boast a longevity of over 60 years, withstanding the test of time and ever-changing technology, while maintaining its instantly recognizable form? The rolling, bouncing silver ball, as unpredictable as the flip of a coin or even life itself, has kept up with cutting-edge advancements in electronics, mechanics, and even computers, to amuse and test the skill of players worldwide!

Chronicles the development of pinball machines from the 1930s through the late 1960s, featuring exclusive interviews with some of the greatest designers in the industry. Hundreds of pinball machines from Gottlieb, Bally, Genco, Williams, United, and others are showcased, along with descriptions of the games, special features, historical significance, release dates, names of designers and artists, and current values.