Timeless Toys: Classic Toys and the Playmakers Who Created Them

by Tim Walsh

'Toyland, Toyland / Little girl and boy land / Childhood's joyland / Mystic, merry Joyland Once you pass its borders / You can ne'er return again.' Actually, here's your chance: In "Timeless Toys:... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0740755714
• ISBN13: 9780740755712
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Length: 298 Pages
• Weight: 4.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 11.5" x 10.4"

Customer Reviews

Fantastic Toys, Geat Design and Much More!

As a toy inventor I was surprised when I first saw the book by how beautifully designed it was as well as the extraordinary quality of the photography. On further examination, it greatly surpassed my first impression with its fascinating stories and (truly astonishing), that it got its facts right! In addition to the fun of seeing all those cool looking toys and taking a nostalgic look back over the last century, it's an historical tribute to American and American immigrant's genius and hard work that has given us all so much pleasure. treat yourself and your friends to this fine book.

From the Board Games Editor at BellaOnline.com

Timeless Toys: Classic Toys and the Playmakers Who Invented Them is one of the most beautiful books about toys and games that I've ever seen. Walsh looked at the history of nearly every major toy and game invented in this century. He covers the history of Teddy Bears, Crayolas, Tonkas, Play-Doh, Crossword Puzzles, Mr. Potato Head, Frisbees, Etch-A-Sketch, G.I. Joes, and so many more. Whatever your favorite toy during childhood was, you'll probably find the history of it and the people who invented it in this book. I love that the book not only takes a look at the games themselves, but also at the real people who invented them and the stories behind them. Sometimes they're touching, sometimes they're silly. They're all interesting, though, and they'll bring you a new appreciation of all the toys and games you've always loved. I can't emphasize enough how beautiful and interesting this book is. When we first got it, we actually argued over who got to read it first ("But Honey! I have to read it! For work!"). It's been sitting on my coffee table ever since, and every adult who has been in our living room has picked it up and become completely engrossed. Pick it up and see for yourself!

Fascinating, fun, a thoroughly enjoyable read

A book for everyone to enjoy, Timeless Toys is a pleasure to read through. The author details the development of classic toys from the 1900s through the 1990s. For each toy the author includes who created it, when it debuted, the various companies that produced it, changes in design, the trials the inventor went through getting it to market, how the toy changed over time, and a lot of other fascinating facts. Some of the toys detailed in the book include Lionel Trains, the Teddy Bear, Erector set, Radio Flyer wagon, Monopoly, Slinky, Clue, Silly Putty, Frisbee, Hula Hoop, Super Ball, Lite-Brite, Etch A Sketch, Lego, Uno, Rubik's Cube, Trivial Pursuit, and Super Soaker. What a great way to bring an older generation and younger generation together through the classic toys common to both and an ability to share toys of the past with children of today. A thoroughly enjoyable read complete with many photographs and illustrations, Timeless Toys is highly recommended for the child in all of us.

I was looking for a price guide....

I was looking for a price guide for these toys and this isn't it, but I didn't even care because this book is fabulous. Wonderful pictures and the origination of the most beloved toys. Big, thick heavy book. Nice coffee table book.

Great Book for Toy Lovers of All Ages

This is a fantastic book and not just because of the View-Master section:-) Favorite toys from the 30's through the 90's abound along with their history and facts about their creation.Many favorite toys are still around today. View-Master, Monopoly, Slinky, Play-Doh all of these are covered in this wonderfully illustrated book.A 5***** read for anyone with an ounce of nostalgia for their younger days.