I have both and the books are different.
The
Billiard Encyclopedia: An Illustrated History of the Sport (Hardcover) covers the entire history of the game now known as Billiards. It has illustrations that show the old tables, cues and balls. It provides information on how the game evolved over time to the current formats played (pocket billiars, 3-cushion).
The Billiard Encyclopedia does in fact have some pictures of cues (very impressive selection) and a history of the cue makers themselves. But because the Billiard Encyclopedia has not been update the list of cuemakers is not current and the book does not provide any pricing.
The Blue Book of Pool Cues has a good write up on cue maker, does have pictures of select cues in color (wish this was expanded) and does have the controversial price lists. The BB is an awesome book to own with a pricing GUIDE (not to be taken as facts), cue maker contact information at the time the BB went to print, and some illustrations on cues.
Both the Billiard Encyclopedia and Blue Book of Pool Cues compliment each other and if possible would get both. But the Billiard Encyclopedia is out of print is highly sought after if the price is right. The going price through book brokers is high (check
Amazon or
Barnes and Nobles) but you can find it on e-bay for a few bucks less.
But get the Blue Book first!
Myron
