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 shouldn't be missed by toy collectors, those interested in British industry, and anyone for whom the great names of the British toyshop conjure happy memories.

Author Biography

Kenneth Brown is Professor Emeritus at Queen's University Belfast, former Pro-Vice Chancellor and Professor of Economic and Social History. He has a special interest in the British toy industry and is author of 'The British Toy Business' and 'Factory of Dreams: A History of Meccano'.