“Amazing . . . A must-have must-read bible for lovers of toy history and in particular toy soldiers. Absolutely glorious!” —Books Monthly Humans have made and collected toy soldiers from time immemorial. They amuse and comfort us, awaken our curiosity, turn aggressiveness into creativity. In The History of Toy Soldiers, Luigi Toiati, himself an avid collector and manufacturer of toy soldiers, conveys and shares the pleasure of collecting and playing with them. Far from a dry encyclopedia, it leads the reader through the fascinating evolution of the toy soldier from ancient times to the early twenty-first century. The author, as a sociologist with an interest in semiotics (the study of signs), offers truly original insights into why different types of toy soldiers were born in a given period and country, or why in a given size and material. The author’s writing is packed with factual detail about the different types of toy (and model) soldiers and their manufacturers, but also with anecdotes, nostalgia, wit and his enduring passion for the subject. Six hundred beautiful color photographs, many depicting the author’s own collection, complete this delightful book. “Toiati creatively delivers exhaustive details, captivating anecdotes and a sense of nostalgia that exudes the fundamental childhood joy of playing with toy soldiers combined with adult collectors’ wonderment at their charms.” —Toy Soldier & Model Figure “A book that will enter the annals of Toy Soldier collections as one of the best and most complete books on this topic.” —IPMS/USA “A great journey of exploration.” —Miniature Wargaming

This serves as an update of the author's successful Collecting Toy Soldiers (Collins, 1987; pbk edition, New Cavendish, 1991). In it James Opie gives the collector the benefit of thirty years' experience as the world's leading authority on traditional toy soldiers (as opposed to model soldiers used in wargaming etc) and a lifetime as a collector himself.

For the first time, Richard O'Brien has collected hundreds of articles and features he wrote for various toy soldier collecting magazines in one compelling book. Filled with pictures and information on the best known -- and the most obscure -- toy soldiers of the past century.

John Franklin has been collecting traditional toy soldiers for over sixty years, mostly Britains but, as the title suggests, including other interesting additions. In this book he shares some of the in-depth knowledge gained through experience and countless hours of careful research, but most of all the passion and enthusiasm for his hobby. He explains how he was inspired to collect soldiers, like so many, in early boyhood and how a hobby grew into an obsession. The various chapters then examine themes he followed in his collecting, such as Britains Special Painting Orders and Indian Army Pipe Bands for example, or address questions regarding the manufacture or identity of specific sets that he has researched or, in some cases, is still seeking the answer to. It is packed with anecdotes, useful technical information and helpful advice for the collector but it is above all a proud tour of inspection of a sixty-year labour of love. Over four hundred photographs, show much of the author’s magnificent collection in a parade of miniature pomp and splendour.

This is the first full-colour history of the world-famous toy soldiers to chart the whole story of their development from Victorian table toy to 21st Century collectable. Prior to 1893 the family toy business of the Britain family was struggling as the toy industry was dominated by German manufacturers and importers. Then came the fateful decision first to import, then to design and manufacture, toy soldiers, an area the German firms were particularly strong in. Britains Toy Soldiers were born and soon their boxes stamped with the slogan 'Best Quality English Make' were being eagerly opened by little boys across Britain and then around the world. The rest, as they say is history and it is all captured here by James Opie, the world's leading expert on the subject, as he lovingly traces the varying fortunes of arguably the most famous British toy company. Illustrated with lavish colour photographs, many of them featuring items from the author's own collection, the book includes feature sections such as collectors' favourites and prices, high-value and famous sets, artistic highlights, quirks and mysteries. It is without doubt the most authoritative book on the subject and will be welcomed by the thousands of devoted collectors world wide as well as many more with fond memories of childhood battles with these beautiful toys.

"Current values for 8,000 foreign-made toy soldiers, more than 50 manufacturers from 12 countries, 2,500 photos, including 16 page full-color section"--Cover.

Tracing developments in toy making and marketing across the evolving landscape of the 20th century, this encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference guide to America's most popular playthings and the culture to which they belong. From the origins of favorite playthings to their associations with events and activities, the study of a nation's toys reveals the hopes, goals, values, and priorities of its people. Toys have influenced the science, art, and religion of the United States, and have contributed to the development of business, politics, and medicine. Toys and American Culture: An Encyclopedia documents America's shifting cultural values as they are embedded within and transmitted by the nation's favorite playthings. Alphabetically arranged entries trace developments in toy making and toy marketing across the evolving landscape of 20th-century America. In addition to discussing the history of America's most influential toys, the book contains specific entries on the individuals, organizations, companies, and publications that gave shape to America's culture of play from 1900 to 2000. Toys from the two decades that frame the 20th century are also included, as bridges to the fascinating past—and the inspiring future—of American toys.

"Briefly provides the history of major British, U.S., and European toy soldier manufacturers, shows and describes a variety of antique toy soldiers, and explains how they were made." --Google Books.

Some warriors are drawn to the thrill of combat and find it the defining moment of their lives. Others fall victim to fear, exhaustion, impaired reasoning and despair. This book synthesizes the wartime experiences of American soldiers, from the doughboys of World War I to the grunts of Vietnam. Focusing on both soldiers and marines, it draws on histories and memoirs, oral histories, psychological and sociological studies and even fiction to show that their experiences remain fundamentally the same regardless of the enemy, terrain, training or weaponry.