The Pinball Compendium 1982 to the Present (Schiffer Book for Collectors) [Hardcover]

Michael Shalhoub (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: July 30, 2005

Eagerly anticipated, this third book from pinball author Michael Shalhoub includes over 900 color photos and covers the most recent period in pinball history, from 1982 through 2005. 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. "I especially like the personal insight he gives readers into the personalities behind the pin game business, and the great photos he has come up with. I learn something new every time I pick up the book." 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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (July 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764323008
• ISBN-13: 978-0764323003
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #906,288 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An extremely well done and entertaining guide to latter-day pinball., December 25, 2005

By 

Lowlight (SC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pinball Compendium 1982 to the Present (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

Having grown up in the age covered primarily in this book, I found the latest of the author's fine books on pinball to an excellent and entertaining read.

As with the other books in the series, this one is heavy on pictures; covering the majority of releases by the major (and minor) companies manufacturing pinballs during the time period. The book is arranged in chapters by year, beginning with "classics" like Gotlieb's 'Haunted House' all the way up to the recently released 'Elvis' and 'Ripley's BION' by Stern. In between are all of your favorites, plus in-depth looks and interviews (and of course, more pics) of prototype games that were never released; including the fabled 'Loch Ness Monster' as well as custom games made for celebrities like Aaron Spelling.

Highly recommended, as are the other books by this author.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for Pinball Collectors, a MUST have!, May 6, 2009

By 

Jeff S. Cernosky "Jeff Scott" (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Pinball Compendium 1982 to the Present (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

Well, I finally went ahead and took the plunge and got all 3 of the Pinball Compendium book. Sure, they're not exactly cheap, but I found the best price on them anywhere on Amazon. I have to tell you, these books are ESSENTIAL reading and must haves for anyone who collects pinball machines, or just interested in their history, and a pretty complete synopsis of all the major games put out by each of the major manufacturers, from the 30's all the way to just a few years ago. The books are very well laid out, packed with TONS of history of both the games evolution and of the manufacturers, interviews with the designers and artists, and TONS of pictures. Get the books for the pics if nothing else! Do yourself a favor and pick these up, you won't be disappointed! These are pretty much an Encyclopedia for pinball machines and collectors. Well worth the money, Highly recommended!

(IF you can only get ONE book of the series, this is my favorite and the one I look through the most, since it has all the modern/ most popular and current machines...but TRY to get them all if possible...especially if interested at ALL in the older games. They're great to look through just for historical/ educational purposes if nothing else!).

Jeff Scott
Orlando, FL

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pinall Book, February 23, 2008

By 

Careful Shopper (Southern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pinball Compendium 1982 to the Present (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

A wonderful book with beautiful photos. Even if you aren't a fan of pinball machines you will appreciate the artwork. A great price from Amazon and as usual fast service. Why drive to a store?