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.

Toys have been made in Britain for hundreds of years, but it was in the twentieth century that the British toy industry reached its peak. Names such as Meccano, Chad Valley, Dinky, Scalextric, Bayko and Hornby dominated the trade at home and abroad. It was not to last, however, and foreign competition became too much for an industry that began to lose its way. This book is the story of the British toy industry and its products, and not to be missed by toy collectors, those interested in British industry, and anyone for whom the great names of the British toyshop bring back happy memories.