Toys were us - Nicholas Whittaker

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.