The first billiard book in history, Billiards without a Master was written by Michael Phelan at the end of the 19th century. Since then, thousands of billiard books have been written and published: instructional books, memories of pro pool players and pool hustlers, fiction books and even poetry books.
Here you can read about some of the notable billiard books including books that would guide you on how to play billiards and how to improve your play and books that would introduce you to different aspects of the popular cue sports.
The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards by David G. Alciatore and David Alciatore
There are numerous books that offer guidance on the fundamentals of billiards. The Illustrated... is one of the most complete comprehensive billiard books in that category. Moreover, thanks to its 250 illustrations and photographs, it is one of the clearest billiard books for beginners. Co-authored by "Dr. Dave", a well known pool physics expert, the book also features explanations on the physics of pool and billiards that would enrich the knowledge of the experienced player as well.
Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: 350 Moves Every Player Should Know by Robert Byrne
Robert Byrne is one of the most productive billiard authors of our times. After writing several books for newbie pocket billiard players, Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots reveals more than 350 different shots that can be performed in pool and billiard games. It is said that even the most experienced pool players were amazed by some of the shots described in Byrne's book.
Playing Off the Rail: A Pool Hustler's Journey by David McCumber
Pool hustlers have been the center of many billiard books and billiard movies. Playing Off the Rail provides a unique, authentic view into the pool hustling world. Written by an ex-stakehouse, who has been touring throughout the nation with a talented pool hustler, McCumber's book offer a realistic look on pool hustling.
The Pool Hustler Handbook by Chef Anton
The Pool Hustler provides another point of view on pool hustling. Written by trick shot champion-pool hustler-entertainer Chef Anton, (who is actually a qualified Chef), this entertaining book offers tip on how to hustle in pool games and how to perform pool trick shots.
An Afternoon of Pocket Billiards: Poems by Henry Taylor
Henry Taylor is a poet, a Professor of Literature and a Pulitzer Prize winner. In 1975 his book An Afternoon of Pocket Billiards was published. The book features poems titled breakings and lines such as "...An Afternoon of Pocket Billiards Here where there is neither hope nor haste all my days blend...".
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