Pool and Billiard Books/magazines?

Question

I am going. on a trip in a few hours. I will be stopping in Prince George, Kamloops, Salmon Arm and Edmonton. I am sure all of these places have good book stores. What magazine or helpful book do you recommend me to get? I am a novice and want to master the basics of shooting pool. Also, I would be happy to read about different types of pool tables, accessories equipment, etc. What is the best deal for my $, and what should I look out for on the shelves.

Answer 1

Magazines: (Mostly packed with ads and statistics and a few instructional tips  5.00 -7.00)

Billiards Digest

Pool & Billiard Magazine

Billiard World Magazine

Books: (8.00- 20.00)

Robert Byrne's Standard Book of Pool And Billiards (you can check this out from your local library at no cost -----the best Pool book on the market to this day---  THE "must-have" book for novices and pros alike).

The Inner Game of Tennis by- Tim Gallwey (Yes, I said, tennis. This book was recommended to me years ago. It's about trusting your skills and not letting your ming or ego get in the way of your game ----one of THE best books I read regarding competition and the mental game).

Steve Mizerak's - Play Better Pool (great for the novice and avid player)

Mind Over Billiards - by Del Thiessen, Ph.D.

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Those oughta' keep you busy for awhile. I have several books of 'road' stories and the like, written by players. They're all packed up, so I can't help you there. Perhaps someone will come up with some entertaining Pool Story books for you here. In the meantime, Robert Byrne's book, will keep you enticed, eager,  and even entertained.

Have a great trip!

Answer 2

Lots of people will recommend Byrne's Standard Book on Pool and Billiards. There's a lot of information in there. Most of the other books I see in bookstores are similar to each other. They'll each cover basics and fundamentals, and generally in similar ways. Books by Phil Capelle are also good. I have Practicing Your Best Pool. There's a little more insight in his books. A more advanced book would be the 99 Critical Shots in Pool by Ray Martin. Finally, I'd recommend the Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards by Dr Dave Alciatore. Good explanations on why things happen and he has supplemental stuff on his website.

I'm not sure of any book that goes in to much detail about tables and other equipment. Most books will have a chapter or two dealing with it. If you have questions, you can always ask here, there's plenty of knowledgable people.