Toys Games

Book excerpt: Discover fascinating toys, games and inventions that have changed the course of history - from ancient Egypt to the Industrial Revolution, the space race and beyond. Toys are living proof of social changes, trends and fashions, design styles, manufacturing and industrial developments over time. The Fascinating History of Toys & Games Around the World details collectible toys and games from cast-iron soldiers to plastic robots, horse-drawn coaches to streamline convertibles, and an overdressed cyclist to a miniskirted tennis player doll - these are not just toys but objects that showcase an era or segment of history. What game did Tutankhamun play with? Who won the world's first air race? Why was plastic invented? What toy provided inspiration for the invention of the taser? Which Star Wars figurine sold for $76,000? Read about the toys you wish you still owned or perhaps still covet. Every toy tells a story in this rich and wonderful illustrated history.