Bowlarama: The Architecture of Midcentury Bowling by Chris Nichols with Adriene Biondo takes aim at the obsession that swept the post-war nation...bowling! More than just a sport or a hobby, bowling became the ultimate Modern lifestyle for Americans savoring the boom years that followed World War II.

Bowling alleys were modern palaces; companies constantly aimed to outdo each other, whether competing for the most spectacular architecture, luxurious lanes, snazziest bowling balls, or exciting refreshments they could offer.

The beautiful lanes and balls that roll down to strike those pins are often housed in equally beautiful, unique buildings. Bowlarama highlights many of these and their histories, often designed in Modern, Streamline Moderne, and Googie styles, showing off their eye-catching architecture to attract patrons. Unfortunately, many of these bowling alleys are no longer standing, but their influence and iconic place in American cultural history is celebrated in this book.

Bowlarama brings back—in living color—all the excitement in its lavishly illustrated pages, packed with vintage photographs, exciting ephemera, and detailed hand-drawn architectural renderings that capture all the optimism, enthusiasm, and joie de vivre of the spirit of bowling and its legacy.