WWE 30 Years of WrestleMania by Brian Shields (2014, Hardcover) Book

Wrestlemania has long been known as “the Granddaddy of Them All” when it comes to premier sports entertainment events.

Then it only follows that “30 Years of Wrestlemania” should rightfully assume a similar title in the Wrestlemania-related books category.

From the creators of “WWE 50” and the official “WWE Encyclopedia,” “30 Years of Wrestlemania” provides an in-depth look at the show of shows from its inception to the current day.

Author Brian Shields, who has five other books to his credit, including the wonderfully informative and visually beautiful “WWE Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide To World Wrestling Entertainment” and “WWE Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded,” outdoes himself with his latest project.

Stunning imagery and sharp, concise prose convey the pageantry of the biggest spectacle in sports entertainment.

This definitive anthology on the history and behind-the-scenes operation behind pro wrestling’s grandest event of the year is the ultimate WWE coffee-table edition, with hundreds of colorful photos, results, anecdotes and related Wrestlemania material.

The book takes readers from the inception of the Wrestlemania concept through the 30-year history of the event.

“When readers turn the pages of this book, they are taken on a journey through time,” says Shields, who wrote “30 Years” with Dean Miller. “When you turn those pages, it’s like with every page you’re learning and seeing something new. You really feel like you’re part of it.”

Not surprisingly, tremendous research went into the volume, which took Shields more than a year and a half to craft as he sifted through interviews, archived video and photos, along with numerous trips to WWE’s warehouse in Stamford, Conn., where he combed through Wrestlemania artifacts.

The facility, notes Shields, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. “When you walk through there, you really hope that one day WWE creates a physical hall of fame.”

The partnership between WWE and DK Publishing, says Shields, was a match made in heaven.