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  • Creating my own Nemesis

  • The Autobiography of the Man Who Designed Alton Towers Big Rides, and Brought the Theme Park to Britain
  • By: John Wardley
  • Narrated by: John Wardley
  • Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (106 ratings)
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Creating my own Nemesis cover art

Creating my own Nemesis

By: John Wardley
Narrated by: John Wardley
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Summary

The autobiography of the man who brought the theme park concept to Britain and created some of the world's most thrilling rides and attractions. He talks about his early beginnings in the theater, circus, and magical cabaret, his time working on some of the most incredible special effects in the James Bond films (including the famous bus crash scene in Live and Let Die), and how he became associated with Madame Tussauds, the world's most famous wax museum. This led to the development of Chessington World of Adventures, then Alton Towers. 

Now in its seventh edition, the book answers many questions about how enormous theme park rides are conceived and developed, and the fascinating stories behind them, including his most famous ride, NEMESIS at Alton Towers.

©2014 John Wardley (P)2017 John Wardley

What listeners say about Creating my own Nemesis

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Themed Worlds

Great incite to the Themed Attraction world ,
Will read again.
Interesting History especially around the now Merlin Attractions

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simply brilliant

Loved it, listened over 3 days. Marvellous to actually hear John talking about his work.

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Brilliant.

Absolutely loved it. Especially if you are a UK coaster fan and are familiar with UK coaster parks. Highly recommended.

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Pure brilliance

What an eclectic life of magical experiences. Mr Wardly really does a great job of helping the reader/listener understand what entertains people and how he applies it to the theme park.

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The most educational and interesting book I’ve ever read

Learnt so much about so many things.

Always wanted to know what happens behind the scenes in theme park design and as an engineer it’s fascinating.

Well read and written. Thank you for sharing this story John

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a fascinating rollercoaster ride through an incredible career

Hugely detailed and jam packed full of anecdotes and insights into the career of one for the creators behind some of the most iconic theme park attractions in the world.

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endearing and engaging

Wonderful stuff from John, his personality and sense of humour really shine through here. Thank you for a wonderful and friendly insight into your fascinating career!

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All the fun of the fair!

I bought the book for my husband who has been a big fan of John’ Wardley since he was a boy and I decided to listen to join him and listen to the book on Audible. It’s brilliant listening to John tell his own story and I think really adds something. I am a theme park enthusiast but even if I wasn’t it would be a entertaining and interesting story and I wish I had read the book before meeting Mr Wardley in 2019 as I have so much I would love to ask him! A truly remarkable man and maker of magic.

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Absolutely fantastic.

An absolutely amazing book by an absolutely amazing person. The book itself, chapter to chapter, feels like you’re at a theme park moving from ride to ride, the more intense the longer you stay. A 100% read for any theme park enthusiast.

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Fantastic Listen!

I first read this book before eventually deciding to also get it on here as it is just so enjoyable! I may be bias as I am a massive theme park enthusiast, but it was just so much fun to read and listen to John's story. I deducted a star from performance as you can hear the clicking of a computer mouse in the background somewhat clearly, however this isn't a major problem as most people wouldn't be bothered by that. I just get bothered by very minor details, so I wouldn't worry about it unless you do too. Other than that minor irritation, it's an absolute joy to listen to and would definitely recommend to anyone interested in theme parks and rollercoasters!

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