Synopses & Reviews
From the yo-yo to the hula hoop to the Frisbee®, Slinky®, Barbie®, and so many more, the classic toys honored in the National Toy Hall of Fame bridge all generations with the most basic of joyous endeavors: play!
Regardless of ones age, this book will hold a special place in everyones heart, as the toys inside not only bring back happy memories for the older generations, but they are still being enjoyed today.
This deluxe package is a vibrant celebration of Americas favorite playthings, brimming with exciting color photography and delightful text that capture the essence and evolution of our countrys most beloved toys.
Review
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, October 21, 2009 "Curator Scott Eberle writes lively histories of the toys, photographed in whimsical poses."
Dallas Morning News, December 7, 2009
"Kids will love thumbing through this one, but they'll no doubt have to pry it out of the hands of their rapt parents first. The book is sure to evoke lots of boomer-generation childhood memories, and might even coax a 21st-century tot into wanting something as archaic as, say, a Raggedy Ann doll or a Hula Hoop.
The text displays a nice sense of humor and irony. For instance: 'The bubble-cut Barbie that appeared in 1961 softened the doll's look by replacing the tight Teutonic ponytail. When Barbie parted her hair on the side, she seemed more casual and less severe, more Fresno and less Frankfurt.'"
Ann Strainchamps, Wisconsin Public Radio, December 4, 2009
“One of the best coffee table books of the year.”
Babble.com
“Get it for you, then share the stories with the kids.”
The Journal-Register, December 10, 2009
“Nostalgia, history, sociology — this book covers all of the imaginable bases that are involved with play. Eberle’s work makes for a truly tremendous toy story.”
The Washington Post, December 24, 2009
"…wonderful…There's no doubt that "Classic Toys" will entice even the most hard-nosed Scrooge or hardhearted Grinch to waste a lot of valuable, billable time simply smiling over pictures of Radio Flyer wagons, wooden rocking horses and fancy Duncan yo-yos. Those of a more sentimental nature may simply find themselves aching with nostalgia. But the pictures are only half the story here. Don't neglect Scott G. Eberle's fact-filled essays…Because of Eberle's sharply written text, "Classic Toys" isn't just a sentimental journey into childhood: It's also a work of incisive cultural commentary and a pleasure to read."
The Commercial Dispatch, February 5, 2010
“…a big, colorful book that is bound to bring you a happy sense of nostalgia….this book is so delightful…This is a book about a subject that all of us love, and it is colorful, informative, and (pardon) playful.”
Synopsis
This deluxe package is a vibrant celebration of America's favorite playthings--from the yo-yo and the hula hoop to the Frisbee, Slinky, and Barbie. Exciting color photography and delightful text capture the essence and evolution of the country's most beloved toys.
Synopsis
Its Play Time!
About the Author
Scott G. Eberle is Vice President for Interpretation at Strong National Museum of Play. He has developed numerous exhibitions on toys and play, and has written extensively on these topics. He holds a doctorate in Cultural History from the University at Buffalo, and is also the author of several works on American cultural history. He lives in Rochester, NY.
The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY, is one of the nations largest history museums, an affiliate of The Smithsonian, holder of the most comprehensive toy collection in the U.S., and home of the National Toy Hall of Fame, whose annual November induction ceremony is seen by 50 million people via widespread national and local television media coverage. Visit them on the web: www.strongmuseum.org