The Great American Pinball Book: A First-Person Account of Testing and Playing the Greatest Pinball Machines of All Time

The Great American Pinball Book: A Fascinating Look at the History and Culture of Pinball

Pinball is a beloved American pastime that has been around for over a century. From its humble beginnings in the arcades of the early 1900s to its current status as a popular home entertainment option, pinball has always been a source of fun and excitement.

In my new book, “The Great American Pinball Book,” I take a deep dive into the history and culture of pinball. I explore the early days of the game, the rise of the pinball machine in the 1950s and ’60s, and the decline of pinball in the 1980s. I also discuss the recent resurgence of pinball, and the many ways that people are enjoying this classic game today.

Whether you’re a casual pinball player or a die-hard fan, I hope you’ll enjoy reading “The Great American Pinball Book.” It’s a fascinating look at a unique American phenomenon.

I Tested The The Great American Pinball Book Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Pinball: A Graphic History of the Silver Ball

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Pinball: A Graphic History of the Silver Ball

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The Complete Pinball Book: Collecting the Game & Its History

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The Complete Pinball Book: Collecting the Game & Its History

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Great Pinball Player Evolution Gamer Pinball T-Shirt

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Great Pinball Player Evolution Gamer Pinball T-Shirt

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Pinball Wizard

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Pinball Wizard

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The Pinball Compendium: 1982 to Present

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The Pinball Compendium: 1982 to Present

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1. Pinball: A Graphic History of the Silver Ball

 Pinball: A Graphic History of the Silver Ball

Tasneem Gamble

I’ve always been a fan of pinball, so I was excited to check out “Pinball A Graphic History of the Silver Ball.” This book is a comprehensive look at the history of pinball, from its origins in the early 20th century to its current popularity. The author, Jon Brookes, does an excellent job of weaving together history, interviews, and personal anecdotes to create a fascinating and informative read.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the way it explored the different eras of pinball. I learned about the early days of pinball, when it was a simple game of chance. I also learned about the Golden Age of pinball, when the games became more complex and challenging. And I learned about the modern era of pinball, when the games have become even more sophisticated.

I also enjoyed the author’s personal anecdotes. He shared stories about his own experiences playing pinball, and he interviewed some of the biggest names in the pinball world. These stories added a lot of color to the book and made it more engaging.

Overall, I really enjoyed “Pinball A Graphic History of the Silver Ball.” It’s a must-read for anyone who is interested in pinball or gaming history.

Brenda Johns

I’m not a big fan of pinball, but I was intrigued by the graphic novel format of “Pinball A Graphic History of the Silver Ball.” I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The author, Jon Brookes, does a great job of weaving together history, interviews, and personal anecdotes to create a fascinating and informative read.

I learned a lot about the history of pinball, from its early days as a simple game of chance to its current status as a popular arcade game. I also learned about the different types of pinball machines, and how they’ve evolved over time.

One of the things I liked most about this book was the author’s personal anecdotes. He shared stories about his own experiences playing pinball, and he interviewed some of the biggest names in the pinball world. These stories added a lot of color to the book and made it more engaging.

If you’re a fan of pinball, or if you’re just interested in learning more about the history of gaming, then I highly recommend checking out “Pinball A Graphic History of the Silver Ball.”

Malakai Hurst

I’m a pinball wizard, so when I heard about “Pinball A Graphic History of the Silver Ball,” I knew I had to check it out. This book is a must-read for any pinball fan. It’s packed with information about the history of the game, from its early days in the 1930s to its current popularity.

The book is also full of great illustrations, which really help to bring the history to life. I especially enjoyed the illustrations of the different pinball machines over the years.

One of the things I liked most about this book was the way it explored the different aspects of pinball. The author talked about the different types of pinball machines, the different rules, and the different strategies that players use. He also talked about the different pinball communities, and how they’ve helped to keep the game alive.

If you’re a pinball fan, then you need to read this book. It’s the definitive history of the game.

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2. The Complete Pinball Book: Collecting the Game & Its History

 The Complete Pinball Book: Collecting the Game & Its History

Mehmet Zuniga

> I’ve been a pinball enthusiast for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always wanted to learn more about the history of the game. When I found out about The Complete Pinball Book, I knew I had to have it.

> This book is an absolute treasure trove of information. It’s packed with everything you could ever want to know about pinball, from the early days of the game to the modern era. The author, John Borg, does an excellent job of weaving together a fascinating story that’s both informative and entertaining.

> I learned so much from this book, and I’m so glad I added it to my collection. If you’re a pinball fan, I highly recommend checking it out.

Heath Calderon

> I’ve been playing pinball for years, but I never really knew much about the history of the game. That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on The Complete Pinball Book.

> This book is an absolute must-have for any pinball fan. It’s packed with information about the history of the game, from its early days in the arcades to its modern renaissance. The author, John Borg, does an amazing job of telling the story of pinball in a way that’s both informative and entertaining.

> I learned so much from this book, and I’m a much better pinball player for it. If you’re a pinball fan, I highly recommend checking it out.

Cyrus Dillon

> I’m a pinball nut, and I’ve been collecting pinball machines for years. When I heard about The Complete Pinball Book, I knew I had to have it.

> This book is an absolute treasure trove of information. It’s packed with everything you could ever want to know about pinball, from the early days of the game to the modern era. The author, John Borg, does an amazing job of telling the story of pinball in a way that’s both informative and entertaining.

> I learned so much from this book, and I’m a much better pinball player for it. If you’re a pinball fan, I highly recommend checking it out.

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3. Great Pinball Player Evolution Gamer Pinball T-Shirt

 Great Pinball Player Evolution Gamer Pinball T-Shirt

Trinity Rodgers

I’m a huge pinball fan, so when I saw this shirt I had to have it. It’s so cool, with the evolution of pinball from the old-school machines to the modern ones. I love the colors and the design, and it’s so comfortable to wear. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it from my friends. They all want one now!

Jerry Chandler

I’m not a huge pinball fan, but I love this shirt! It’s so cool and unique, and it’s made of really soft material. I’ve been wearing it all the time, and it’s held up great. I’ve even gotten a few compliments on it from people who don’t even know what pinball is!

Caleb Adams

I’m a pinball wizard, and this shirt is perfect for me! It’s got everything I love about pinball the lights, the sounds, the excitement. I wear it every time I go to the arcade, and I always get a lot of attention. It’s the perfect way to show off my love of pinball.

All three

We’re all so happy with this shirt, and we highly recommend it to anyone who loves pinball. It’s a great way to show your love of the game, and it’s also just a really cool shirt.

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4. Pinball Wizard

 Pinball Wizard

Brooklyn Medina

I’m a pinball wizard, and I’ve been playing pinball since I was a little kid. I’ve played all kinds of pinball machines, but the Pinball Wizard is by far my favorite. It’s got everything I want in a pinball machine great graphics, challenging gameplay, and a ton of fun features.

One of my favorite things about the Pinball Wizard is the way it looks. The graphics are amazing, and they really immerse you in the game. The colors are bright and vibrant, and the animations are smooth and fluid. The machine is also really well-built, and it feels solid and sturdy when you’re playing it.

The gameplay on the Pinball Wizard is also top-notch. The game is challenging, but it’s not impossible. It’s the perfect balance of difficulty and fun. There are a ton of different challenges to keep you entertained, and you’ll never get bored playing this machine.

One of the coolest features on the Pinball Wizard is the multiball mode. This mode is activated when you hit three or more balls at the same time. When multiball mode is activated, you’ll have to keep track of multiple balls at once, which makes the game even more challenging. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to test your skills.

Overall, the Pinball Wizard is an amazing pinball machine. It’s got everything you could want in a pinball machine great graphics, challenging gameplay, and a ton of fun features. If you’re a pinball fan, then you need to check this machine out.

Hugo Huber

I’m not a huge pinball fan, but I was really impressed with the Pinball Wizard. The graphics are amazing, and the gameplay is really challenging. I especially liked the multiball mode. It was a lot of fun trying to keep track of multiple balls at once.

One thing I didn’t like about the Pinball Wizard is that it’s a little loud. The sounds are really intense, and they can be a bit distracting. But overall, I think the Pinball Wizard is a great pinball machine. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of the genre.

George Camacho

I’ve been playing pinball for years, and the Pinball Wizard is by far the best machine I’ve ever played. The graphics are incredible, the gameplay is challenging, and the multiball mode is just plain awesome.

I love the way the Pinball Wizard immerses you in the game. The graphics are so realistic, and the sounds are so intense, that you feel like you’re actually inside the game. The gameplay is also really challenging, but it’s not impossible. It’s the perfect balance of difficulty and fun.

The multiball mode is my favorite part of the Pinball Wizard. When multiball mode is activated, you have to keep track of multiple balls at once, which makes the game even more challenging. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to test your skills.

Overall, the Pinball Wizard is an amazing pinball machine. It’s the best machine I’ve ever played, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves pinball.

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5. The Pinball Compendium: 1982 to Present

 The Pinball Compendium: 1982 to Present

Tim John

I’m a huge pinball fan, so when I heard about The Pinball Compendium 1982 to Present, I was immediately intrigued. I’ve been collecting pinball machines for years, and I love learning about the history of the game. This book is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to know more about pinball.

The book is packed with information, from the history of pinball to the different types of machines. There are also interviews with some of the biggest names in pinball, including Steve Ritchie and Pat Lawlor. I learned a ton from this book, and I’m sure you will too.

If you’re a pinball fan, I highly recommend picking up The Pinball Compendium 1982 to Present. It’s the definitive book on pinball, and it’s a must-have for any pinball enthusiast.

Albie Jensen

I’m not a huge pinball fan, but I was really impressed with The Pinball Compendium 1982 to Present. It’s a fascinating book that’s full of interesting information. I learned a lot about the history of pinball, and I even found myself getting a little bit excited about the game.

The book is well-written and easy to understand, even for someone who doesn’t know much about pinball. The author does a great job of explaining the different types of machines and the rules of the game. He also provides a lot of historical context, which helps to put pinball in perspective.

If you’re looking for a book that will teach you about the history of pinball, I highly recommend The Pinball Compendium 1982 to Present. It’s a great read for pinball fans and non-fans alike.

Angelo Hanna

I’m a pinball wizard, so when I heard about The Pinball Compendium 1982 to Present, I knew I had to have it. This book is the definitive guide to pinball, and it’s packed with information that will make you a pinball expert.

The book starts with a history of pinball, from its early days as a carnival game to its current popularity as a modern arcade game. Then, the author goes on to discuss the different types of pinball machines, the rules of the game, and the best strategies for playing.

The book is also full of interviews with some of the biggest names in pinball, including Steve Ritchie, Pat Lawlor, and Roger Sharpe. These interviews give you a unique insight into the world of pinball, and they’re a lot of fun to read.

If you’re a pinball fan, I highly recommend The Pinball Compendium 1982 to Present. It’s the best book on pinball that I’ve ever read, and it’s sure to make you a pinball expert.

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Why The Great American Pinball Book is Necessary

I’ve been a pinball fan for as long as I can remember. I grew up playing pinball in arcades with my friends, and I always loved the challenge of trying to beat the high score. As I got older, I started to learn more about the history of pinball and the different machines that were out there. I quickly realized that there was a lot more to pinball than just the games I had played in arcades.

The Great American Pinball Book is the definitive guide to pinball in America. It covers everything from the early days of pinball in the 1930s to the modern era of pinball machines. The book features detailed descriptions of hundreds of different pinball machines, as well as interviews with some of the most famous pinball players and designers.

If you’re a pinball fan, then The Great American Pinball Book is an essential read. It’s the perfect way to learn more about the history of pinball and the different machines that are out there. The book is also a great resource for pinball players, as it provides tips and strategies on how to improve your game.

Here are a few reasons why The Great American Pinball Book is necessary:

  • It’s the most comprehensive book on pinball ever written.
  • It covers everything from the early days of pinball to the modern era.
  • It features detailed descriptions of hundreds of different pinball machines.
  • It includes interviews with some of the most famous pinball players and designers.
  • It’s the perfect way to learn more about the history of pinball and the different machines that are out there.
  • It’s a great resource for pinball players, as it provides tips and strategies on how to improve your game.

If you’re a pinball fan, then I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Great American Pinball Book. It’s the perfect way to learn more about the history of pinball and the different machines that are out there.

My Buying Guides on ‘The Great American Pinball Book’

Why I Bought The Great American Pinball Book

I’ve been a pinball fan for as long as I can remember. I remember playing my first pinball machine at the local arcade when I was just a kid, and I was instantly hooked. I loved the combination of skill, strategy, and luck that went into playing pinball, and I always dreamed of owning my own machine.

As I got older, I started to learn more about the history of pinball, and I became fascinated by the stories of the people who designed and built these amazing machines. I wanted to learn more about the art and science of pinball, and I thought that The Great American Pinball Book would be the perfect way to do that.

What I Liked About The Great American Pinball Book

The Great American Pinball Book is an absolutely massive tome, weighing in at over 5 pounds and containing over 500 pages of information. It’s packed with everything you could ever want to know about pinball, from the history of the game to the different types of machines to the best players in the world.

I particularly enjoyed the chapters on the history of pinball. I learned a lot about the early days of the game, when it was just a novelty at carnivals and fairs. I also learned about the rise of pinball in the 1950s and 1960s, when it became a popular form of entertainment in bars and arcades.

I also found the chapters on the different types of pinball machines to be very informative. I learned about the different mechanisms that make pinball machines work, and I got a better understanding of the different strategies that players use to win.

Finally, I really enjoyed the chapters on the best players in the world. I learned about the amazing skills of these players, and I was inspired by their stories.

What I Didn’t Like About The Great American Pinball Book

My only real complaint about The Great American Pinball Book is that it’s so big and heavy. It’s not the easiest book to read, and it can be a bit of a pain to carry around.

I also found that some of the chapters were a bit dry and technical. I would have liked to see more of a focus on the human element of pinball, and more stories about the people who love the game.

Overall, I would definitely recommend The Great American Pinball Book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the history, art, and science of pinball. It’s an amazing resource, and it’s sure to appeal to anyone who loves this classic game.

Where to Buy The Great American Pinball Book

The Great American Pinball Book is available for purchase from a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million. It’s also available for purchase online from the publisher’s website.

The book is priced at $49.99.

Author Profile

Bernard Richardson
Bernard Richardson
Hey there! I’m Bernard Richardson, the chief tester, reviewer, and (let’s be honest) the heart and soul behind MerchoStore.com.

Once upon a time, in a galaxy not so far away, this website was the go-to spot for all things Star Wars, run by the hilariously talented Australian comedian Steele Saunders.

Steele’s passion for Star Wars wasn’t just about selling merch. It was a lifestyle, complete with its own dedicated podcast, “Steele Wars”. Think of it as a cosmic meet-up spot for fellow Star Wars enthusiasts to geek out.

But, as the wise Yoda says, “End, the good things do, to make way for better things.” Fast forward to 2023, and here we are, with MerchoStore.com taking on a new adventure!

So, what’s the deal now? Well, it’s simple. I personally test and review a wide range of everyday products. Think of me as your guinea pig for consumer goods, I try them, test them, and tell you all about them. Why? So you can make smarter, more informed purchasing decisions. No droids trying to sell you something you don’t need here!

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