Customer Reviews

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Billiards

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This is an outstanding resource book for anyone interested in learning more about biilards generally, or for someone with a specific questions about any aspect of the sport. I found many topics to be very extensive, providing background data, and perspective far beyond simple defititions. Many times after looking up a term, I would continue to read items over the next few pages just to learn about other topics. This is the most interesting and informative book about billiards that I own..

This is the earlier, and flawed, edition of a great book. Shamos himself has specifically disowned this book for many reasons. Among other things, the publisher forgot to include a crucial diagram which illustrates the meaning of various terms used to describe markings and locations on the table. For example, head string, billiard spot, balk line, etc. This is the only such diagram in print, and the publisher forgot it! The next edition, The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Billiards, rectifies this.

This book is not an instruction manual on how to play pool or billiards, but is instead a first- rate guide to all of the language used in every cue sport. Terms are clearly defined and, where appropriate, well illustrated. If you want to know what word the British use for "English," or where the often misunderstood "tangent line" actually is, this book will give you a clear and authoritative answer. The author is a true scholar and is the curator of The Billiard Archive, the most complete collection of books and periodicals about pool, billiards, and snooker.