This new reference and price guide presents an informative 'personal' history of the former Marx Toys Company plant at Glen Dale, West Virginia, where many of the fondly remembered Marx Playsets, doll houses, and toy figures of the 'baby boomer' era were created and manufactured. More than just a catalogue of these ever-popular and eminently affordable toys, this book provides Marx toy collectors with new insights into the planning and production processes employed by the original 'king' of American toy makers. Included are insightful interviews with Glen Dale plant model maker and with the son of a Marx artist, along with previously unpublished photos of a number of Marx toy and figure prototypes. With publication authorised by the current owner of the Marx Toys trademark, this book provides a unique and valuable behind-the-scenes look into the production of one of America's premier toy manufacturers.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Marx ruled the action figure world with a myriad of adventure characters, such as Johnny West, Rat Patrol, Daniel Boone, Vikings, knights and Indians. This book is a complete guide to the over 230 Marx action figures produced, with highly detailed photos that show the boxes and accessories. 425 b&w photos.

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.

The spud everybody loves to play with is turning 50 years old! Mr. Potato Head has delighted generations of children and now everyone can have a detailed look at the exciting history of the toy potato that has fascinated the world for half a century. This colorful book follows Mr. Potato Head from his birth in 1952 at the hands of Hassenfeld Bros., to the addition of Mrs. Potato Head and all the variations on the original, including the Jumpin1 Mr. Potato Head and the Toy Story version. Funny Face also highlights the pop culture aspect of the popular toy, including the toy premiums and other marketing items, such as Mr. Potato Head Ice Pops and the Potato Head Game that sprouted from its popularity.

If you're like most of us, the mailman's annual delivery of Sears, Roebuck and Company's Christmas Catalog was a holiday event in years past. Most American children watched the mailbox carefully for those wondrous old catalogs. They were chock full of childhood fantasies... enough toys, dolls, trains and bikes to make any kid start writing his or her letter to Santa Claus. That's probably why the nickname "Wishbook" stuck. And if you grew up during the Baby Boomer years of the Fifties and Sixties, there's big news. Those lost Wishbook pages full of wonderful toys targeted to boys have been reproduced in Boys' Toys, an exciting new book containing authorized reproductions of the very best boy-toy pages from 1950 through 1969. Boys' Toys and its companion book Girls' Toys are two in a series of Sears catalog re-issues covering the spectrum of toys, dolls and other popular collectibles of the Fifties and Sixties. This 8 fi x 11 softcover book's 192 pages illustrate hundreds of now-collectible toys. All the best are represented: Lionel trains, Marx playsets, Remco's "Toys for Boys" G.I. Joe, Matchbox cars, Tonka trucks... all the way to Sixties space-age robots, rockets, and flying saucers! Included too, is a year-by-year commentary on the toys, their manufacturers and historical relevance. So put on your Davy Crockett coonskin cap and settle in for hours of fond childhood memories. Boys' Toys is fun reading for anyone... male or female... toy fan or not. It's an invaluable reference source for serious collectors and history buffs, too. -- Jam-packed with warm and happy childhood memories. Hundreds of photographs and illustrations with accompanying commentary -- A "must have"reference volume for all toy, antique and memorabilia enthusiasts