Toys Were Us

Toys Were Us

by NicholasWhittaker (Author)

Synopsis

Nicholas Whittaker's Toys Were Us is an analysis of the world of toys. Unashamedly nostalgic in parts, Whittaker rolls back the years and lovingly examines the detail of many lost, forgotten, or just plain old toys. Provisionally broken down into subjects and themes -- from 'having wheels' (pedal cars, roller skates) to 'war' (toy soldiers, airfix kits), etc -- the book is a chronology but also tackles many contemporary issues such as media-fuelled crazes, controversial violations of safety regulations, how Britain has lost its hold on the toy market and the ever-increasing commercialisation of toys. This is a hitherto unwritten cultural history, full of Whittaker's characteristic wit, irreverence and eye for hidden, obscure detail.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 208
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: Orion
Published: 29 Nov 2001

ISBN 10: 0575068086
ISBN 13: 9780575068087
Book Overview: Popular cultural history from the critically acclaimed author of Platform Souls, Blue Period and Sweet Talk. Is a natural successor/companion volume to Sweet Talk -- will build on the widespread, favourable coverage of that title. Attractively designed with colour plates, to give the book a retro/object of desire appeal. There have been illustrated books of toys before, but little in this narrative, analytical vein.

Author Bio
Nicholas Whittaker is the author of Platform Souls: The Trainspotter as Twentieth-century Hero, Blue Period: Nots from a Life in the Titillation Trade, Sweet Talk. As well as single-handedly writing the 1984 Pontin's brochure, he has contributed to a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including Company, Arena, Punch, the Guardian, the Sunday Times, the Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph and the Express. Nicholas Whittaker lives in north London.